Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Dec 8: Puttur assistant commissioner (AC), Satish Kumar DM, clarified that Yede Snana alone will be allowed this time during the annual car festival of Lord Subrahmanya temple at Subrahmanya, which is scheduled later this month. When questioned about the resolve of Malekudiyas to go ahead with Made Snana, he said that the matter is yet to be decided by the court and that under the directions of the department of religious endowments, the district administration has instructed the temple to allow Yede Snana alone.

He said that during the Kiru Shashti last year, Yede Snana alone was allowed and it had been received well by devotees without posing any problem.

In the meantime, Shekhar Belgangady of Dalit Rights Action committee said that a state-wide protest is being held against superstitious religious observations like Yede Snana and Made Made Snana on December 14 at all taluk and district headquarters. He urged the government to enact anti-superstitions act at the earliest to put an end to such practices.

In the meanwhile, as per age-old traditions, Malekudiyas are engrossed with the building of the temple chariot, considered to be one of the tallest, out of bamboos and canes collected afresh from the nearby forests. Various religious rituals and procedures are being held in connection with Champa Shashti between December 8 and 22 at Subrahmanya.