Video of women dancing with 'Daiva' goes viral; Researcher Ajit Gowda Aivarnadu issues clarification

Sullia: Recently, a video of a few women dancing with the ‘Daiva’ (deity) in Marnadu, Kodagu had gone viral. It was criticized by several who claimed that it is an insult to the deities.

Issuing a clarification, Researcher Ajit Gowda Aivarnadu said that when it comes to Daivaradhane, every region in Coastal Karnataka follows a different set of rituals, and usually people in the Kodagu region dance with deity as a ‘Harake’ (vow).

” I am not justifying the act, but we must also respect their beliefs. People in Kodagu dance with the deity as a form of ‘Harake’. However, the custom is not followed here in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi regions,” he added.

Talking about the issue, Daiva Pathri Monappa Madavu said, ” Firstly it is wrong to film women dancing with the deity. It is their custom and we must learn to respect it. The ritual in no way is an insult to our daivas.”