Mangalore: Dr. V.S. Acharya, a senior minister holding HRE/Muzrai portfolio in the new cabinet, made it clear on Sunday that ‘Madesnana’ (rolling ritual on banana leaves) left by Brahmins, was an age-old practice and it was not quite possible to stop it all of a sudden, just because a Dalit leader demands it.

B.K. Bhaskar Bendodi, President of State Adivasi/Schedule Tribes Welfare Federation, in Kukke, has also supported this view on Monday (Dec 19) and threatened legal action against those Dalit intransigents who interfere with age-old religious benefits and practices which do not harm anyone.

Dr. V.S. Achrya, addressed a gathering at the valedictory ceremony of the one-day Tulunadu Spirits Worships’ (Daivaradhakara) Sammelan at Alevoor. He pointed out that certain politicians and social bodies who were demanding a ban on the “Made Snana” practice could not be pleased.

These anti-social protesting elements, who go against ancient rituals talked as if the Govt or BJP leaders (Brahmins like Acharya) created this ritual that was practised for centuries in one temple.

Vadiraja Swami of Sode Mutt (1480-1600) had mentioned the ritual in a book. It cannot be banned in a day, to please a few persons like K.S. Shivaramu and his companion.

The Tulunadu people worship Snakes, spirits, and holy trees. These faithful beliefs were not superstitions the minister observed and spoke of providing pensions to Bhoota Aradhana artists.