Tradition rolls over reason

KUKKE SUBRAHMANYA (Dakshina Kannada): The Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner's directive to the Kukke Subrahmanya temple administrator to ban the 'Made Made Snana' came to a nought with muzrai minister VS Acharya overriding it. On Monday, more than 550 devotees participated in the ritual, which involves rolling on plantain leaves on which Brahmins have eaten meals, in the belief that it will cure them of skin ailments.The ritual will be held for two more days.
Acharya told TOI the administration's decision was hasty. "Such decisions can to be taken only after consultations at appropriate levels. These are traditional rituals based on belief, and we have no business coming in their way," he said.
Asked if there would be any change next year, Acharya said: "Even if any changes have to be made, there is a process (asthamangala prashna). Hence, it was decided to continue the tradition."
Asthamangala prashna is supposed to be a thorough study to find out the root causes of any problem, and the remedy to it, using numerology and astrology.
Regarding opposition to the practice , Acharya shot back: "Those people who don't believe (in the ritual) don't have any business to interfere as they don't have any beliefs. They need not worry about it."
Harihara Ananda Swamy, honorary president of the Dalita Hindulida Alpasankyatara Samanvaya Vedike, Mysore, is stunned by Acharya's statement.
"Should the state push people into superstition? I am shocked by the minister's statement," Swamy says, adding that he will hold a symbolic protest in Mysore and urge the governor to stop the practice.