http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dalits-roll-on-used-food-plate-for-tradition/137149-3.html?from=tn
Dalits roll on used food plate for 'tradition'
IBN7
Posted on Dec 11, 2010 at 13:41
8
Mangalore: It's said that all men are equal before God. However, the
treatment meted out to Dalits in the name of religion and tradition in
an ancient South Indian temple is baffling.
At the famous Kukke Shri Subramanya temple in southern Karnataka,
there is a 400-year-old ritual called Madhe Snana. As part of the
ritual, Dalits are asked to roll on used banana leaves, which are used
as food plates in religious ceremonies.
The ritual starts with a feast for Brahmins who are fed on banana
leaves. Once they finish eating, the Dalits are asked to roll over the
used banana leaves. The Brahmins claim that the practice cures them of
diseases.
This is the same temple that the God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar,
often visits. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has also sought blessings here.
Even Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has offered prayers to
Lord Subramanya here.
Refusing to face humiliation in the name of tradition, the Dalits have
now decided to protest the practice. Shiv Ram, President, KRHVJV, says
the practice is an insult to Dalits in particular and the society in
general, and that government should stop the practice. Some other
organisations have also supported banning the practice.
The temple administration defends the practice, saying that Dalits are
not forced to roll over the plates.
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