Dalits Allege Untouchability in Mysuru's Madeshwara Temple Festival; Procession Skips Colony Despite Taking Contributions

Mysuru- Members of the Dalit community in the remote village of Machalli under Krishna Raj Nagar taluk in Mysuru district have alleged serious caste-based discrimination and untouchability practices during the annual Madeshwara Temple festival.

According to local residents, the village has a long-standing tradition of taking the procession of Lord Madeshwara, along with decorated bulls, to every house and every locality during the annual Jatra. However, this tradition was allegedly not followed in the Dalit colony during the festival held recently. Dalit community members claim they are forced to perform worship in a humiliating and unequal manner. As soon as their turn ends, the idol is immediately removed and taken away, denying them proper opportunity to worship.

Dalit residents said they waited for two to three hours, but no arrangements were made for their puja. The temple doors were shut and people left. One community member said, “This is happening even in the 21st century, which is extremely sad and painful.” They alleged that this discriminatory practice occurs every year. The procession never enters their street, and if they visit the temple, they are forced to stand at a distance.

Promise Broken After Collecting Funds

The Dalit community stated that this year, village elders had called a public meeting and assured everyone that proper puja arrangements would be made in the Dalit colony as well. Trusting this assurance, every Dalit family contributed thousands of rupees for the festival. However, when the procession reached their area, the attitude suddenly changed. Within just two minutes, the idol was snatched away and no puja was performed.

Following this, some influential villagers and youths gathered and reportedly said openly, “They have only 15 houses, what can they do?” The Dalits alleged that they were abused verbally, threatened with death, and faced other atrocities.

Dalit residents pointed out that they pay taxes and contribute labour for the village’s public and religious works, yet they are denied entry into the temple sanctum, not allowed to touch the deity, or participate equally in rituals. The village has around 60 Dalit families, most of whom work as agricultural labourers.

Following the incident, members of the Dalit community staged a protest in the village and demanded immediate action from the district administration along with equal rights in the temple. They also accused the Social Welfare Department and local officials of negligence, stating that despite repeated complaints, no officer has visited the village so far.