Daijiworld Media Network - Tumakuru (SP)

Tumakuru, Feb 18: Keregalal Palya is a village in Madhugiri taluk of this district. The village has seen over 50 deaths in different accidents during the last about six months. As the village wears the look of a graveyard, the villagers performed oblation and puja for 48 hours to appease the ghosts and souls as they firmly believe that they are the ones who are causing these accidents.

The other notable feature of these accidents that has added eeriness to the deaths is the fact that the accidents are happening on new moon days of full moon days. The villagers keep hearing sound of someone wailing by the roadside at night. The villagers believe that souls of some people who died in the accidents have not attained salvation and not rested in peace. The sound of crying has given rise to worry in the minds of the villagers. They also believe that the wailing sound might be the indication of more scary things to come. This might look strange but it is true.

The mangled remains of bus (left) and truck in one of the accidents

During the last six months, this village has witnessed over 30 accidents. Some of the villagers also believe that these accidents could be happening on account of Banamati (sorcery). Every family is wary of sending out its members from their homes as they suspect that he might not return alive.

The villagers, in a bid to see that the affect of sorcery wanes and desperate souls get permanent resting spots have performed puja and Homa for 48 hours. They also performed puja to appease spirits and demigods besides giving oblations to deceased to see that the souls do not have to roam around.