Made Snana begins amid protest by progressives

Mangaluru: About 240 people participated in Made Snana at Kukke Subrahmanya on Tuesday. Made Snana, where devotees irrespective of caste differences roll on plaintain leaves with food leftovers, is held for three days during Subrahmanya Shasti or Champa Shasti at Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple every year. This year it is being held on November 25, 26 and 27.

Last year too almost the same number of devotees had participated in Made Snana on the first day. The ritual had attracted opposition from progressive thinkers. Made Snana was held as usual after the modified version “Yede Snana,” was stayed by a High Court bench last week which also issued an interim order to continue ‘Madey Snana.’

Kukke Temple managing committee chairman Krishna Prasad Madtila told reporters that the ritual was held as per the High Court order. “We respect the court order. As it ordered for continuation of Made Snana, the ritual is being held now,” he said.

Meanwhile progressive thinkers under the leadership of Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagrutha Vedike state president K.S. Shivaramu held a protest against Made Snana in front of the DC’s office on Tuesday. Activists fighting against the practice  are unhappy over the lack of initiative on the part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to stop the ritual.