Karnataka govt mulls banning temple ritual

Announcing this, Social Welfare Minister A Narayanaswamy told reporters here that he had directed the department officials to submit in next four days a report on the practice, observed at the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple during 'shashti' festivities in Dakshina Kannada district.

Leaders of various Dalit organisations have been demanding a ban on "made snana" saying it hurt Dalit sentiments.

They contend that such customs were increasingly being used to subjugate Dalits and they were foisted on them in the name of tradition.

After getting a detailed report, the government would take a decision on the matter, Narayanaswamy said.

More than 2,000 devotees took part in the ritual on the concluding day of three-day festival held at the temple on November 30. The ritual is held as part of a vow for fulfillment of wishes.