Even though we are in the 21st century, many of us are still blindly following many regressive rituals. Though these rituals may be perceived as harmless, some of them promote superstitions that put an individual’s safety at risk. One such odd ritual recently went viral.
In an annual traditional fair in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district, a group of priests walked on the backs of over 200 married women.
As per TOI women, who desire to be a mother, let priests walk on their backs believing the blessings would help them conceive a child.
This happened during the annual event called ‘Madhai Mela’ (Madhai Fair). It was held after Diwali and was attended by thousands of devotees. Many tribals paid their respect to Goddess Angaarmoti. Many villagers watched the ritual as priests chanted mantras and held flags while walking on these women.
Chhattisgarh: In a bizarre ritual, hundreds of married women longing for conception lay down on the ground on Friday to allow priests and witchdoctors to walk on their backs to enter a temple in Dhamtari, believing this will bless them with a child.pic.twitter.com/PhkHYWwMCp
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) November 22, 2020
While talking about the ceremony, R N Dhruv, secretary, Aadishakti Maa Angaarmoti Trust shared with The New Indian Express,
“The Madhai Mela is believed to be taking place for the past 500 years. We are now carrying forward the tradition. People attend the ritual with a firm belief, which shouldn’t be misinterpreted. It’s miraculous to find several married women now blessed with children after they attended the fair in the past.”
Kiranmayee Nayak, chairperson of Chhattisgarh state commission for women spoke about the event saying she doesn’t endorse it. She mentioned,
“It’s very hazardous as men were seen walking on the women. It could injure their vital organs. I will visit the place with my team and initiate an awareness campaign with the help of locals to discourage the practice and make women aware of the best ways of easy conception and seeking blessing from the Goddess. We will ensure that their religious sentiments aren’t hurt.”
Many netizens came online to share their concerns over the practice and how risky and regressive it is:
Where are the men spouses of these women? Shouldn’t they be present too? It takes two to conceive
— پربھا (@deepsealioness) November 23, 2020
In my view the Collector, the Commissioner, the Mayor and the Police Chief must be dismissed! @narendramodi @AmitShah @bhupeshbaghel
— Vijay Agnihotri (@Vijayagni53) November 22, 2020
Why no men lying down?
— Sangita (@Sanginamby) November 22, 2020
Maybe these women skipped all 10th grade bio lectures.
— Yash. (@Datascientist3_) November 22, 2020
Blind Faith is the road to destruction and it gives empowerment to the oppressors. Faith to almighty is a different concept altogether but worshipping priests and participating in these irrational, unscientific rituals is just beyond common sense.
— Tanu Gaur (@TanuGaur20) November 22, 2020
making lots of money from uneducated & poor family. Isn’t there any law to prohibit these practise. Police & administration knows about all these but I haven’t seen any action on them.????????????
— Pritam priydarshi (@Pritam62058815) November 22, 2020
spectators of this mindless and inhuman ritual, are there because they believe in this sexist ceremony! (2/2)
— Draksha Sharma (@idraksha) November 23, 2020
Do let us know what you think about this regressive superstitious ritual?
