Activists on both sides of the debate expressed mixed feelings about the Supreme Court vacating its stay on the State government’s proposal to modify the controversial made snana ritual. In effect, instead of rolling over plantain leaves containing leftovers of food eaten by Brahmins, devotees can possibly take part in the ede snana where they roll over food “offered to the deity” at Kukke Subramanya temple.
While the decision has been “whole-heartedly” welcomed by the Pejawar seer of Udupi, who had suggested the modification as a “compromise”, activists who opposed the rituals said they will continue their campaign against “blind beliefs”.
Calling it a “small victory” against the “casteist” ritual, K.S. Shivaram, president of the Karnataka Backward Classes Awareness forum, said they were opposed to the concept of ede snana too. “Apart from all the food that is going to waste on a blind belief, ede snana also reinforces the belief of the ‘purity’ of Brahmins. The offerings are, after all, made only by Brahmin priests,” he said.
He said the organisation will continue their awareness campaigns and protests against the rituals — including Pankthi Beda or caste discrimination while serving food in temples — as well as pursue a legal recourse.
Echoing similar opinions, G.V. Srirama Reddy, State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said the act of rolling over food itself represented “uncivilised dogmatism”. “Caste-discrimination in made snana is not the only objection. It is also a question of allowing such blind beliefs to continue,” he said.
While dismissing the special leave petition against the modified ritual on September 22, the Supreme Court has allowed Bhaskara Bendodi, president of the Adivasi Budakattu Hitarakshana Vedike- Karnataka, to approach the Karnataka High Court with a review petition. “As soon as I get the orders, I will file a writ before the court. Made snana is a centuries-old custom, and should not be tampered with. The changing of one ritual will lead to several others being changed,” he said.
While refusing to comment, Krishnaprasad Madthila, president of the Kukke Subramanya Temple Administrative Board, said the temple will take a decision only after it receives an official court order.
