Mangaluru : Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagritha Vedike, in association with various other organisations, staged a protest in front of DC’s office in Mangaluru on Tuesday Nov 25.

Made Snana ritual as unscientific and inhumane, various religious leaders have urged the government to impose ban on the practice.

Navalinga Mahasharana Swamiji of Prabhudeva Jnanakendra, Shivamogga, said that Made Snana was the depiction of ignorance in this information age. Made Snana is not a prudent way to appease the God. Devotion should be marked by ultimate refuge to the almighty and steadfast devotion and not by ignorant practices, he said.

Gauligurupeetha (Chitradurga) Pontiff Thipperudraswami said that exploitation should not be carried out in the name of devotion in religious places. Practices like Made Snana are evident to the fact that the superstitious beliefs still exist in India, he said and felt that religious leaders should create awareness among people on such practices. Due to various confusions, the unity of Hindu religion is at risk, he said and urged the government to bring into effect the Anti-superstitions Act to impose ban on Made Snana and Pankthi Bheda.

Basavabhooshana Swamiji of Basava Mutt, Siraguppa, said that the people should critically analyse the beliefs as one checks for the authenticity of products in the market.

Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagritha Vedike State President K S Shivaramu said it was unfortunate that Dakshina Kannada district which is known as the place of intellectuals is marred by inhumane practices like Made Snana. Ironically, the ritual is being carried out in the name of God, he said and alleged that people have been dominated by the priestly class.

Shivaramu said that when Siddaramaiah was in the opposition party, he had strongly opposed Made Snana. But after becoming the Chief Minister, he has not taken any measures in the last two years to ban Made Snana. The CM should show his commitment to the people, he said.

Ahinda district President Vasudev Boloor, Karnataka Rajya Adivasi Rakshana Parishat State Secretary Vittal also spoke.

Members of DYFI and Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samithi also took part.