Monday, April 11, 2011

[ZESTCaste] Giving social stigma a break

 

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/mysore/29400192_1_dalits-hindus-village-deity

Giving social stigma a break
M B Maramkal, TNN, Apr 9, 2011, 10.57pm IST

HALLIKEREHUNDI(CHAMARAJNAGAR District): This tradition blurs the
social stigma attached to dalits, though for just a week. Prior to the
annual fair of village deity Bajjamma beginning April 11, Hindus call
dalits to their homes and worship them.

Dalits from neighbouring villages dressed as cannibals (Kalibalis in
local parlance) visit houses in the village dominated by Lingayats.
They are welcomed with garlands, taken to inner precincts (entry to
which is otherwise barred for dalits), worshipped and offered
foodgrains.

"At least for a week, unmindful of social stigma, Hindus embrace us,"
says Kemparaju, Gananganur village panchayat member, who led Kalibalis
on Thursday. "This tradition has reduced hatredness about dalits. The
festival has succeeded in bringing closer dalits and Hindus," says
Nanjundaswamy, another dalit from the village. However, Bhagyaraju, a
Lingayat and farmers' leader from the village, feels the tradition has
not been successful in eliminating untouchability.

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