Dalit woman tied to 'Sidi' pole; second such incident in Karnataka in 2020
The second incident in 2020 has showcased that beliefs have no ends and no law can control the beliefs of the common man. Despite a ban as per the 'Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act', a Dalit woman can be seen tied to a wooden pole as part of Sidi ritual in Kalburgi.
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Bengaluru: Despite a ban as per the 'Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act', Â a Dalit woman can be seen tied to a wooden pole as part of Sidi ritual at Bhagamma Devi Temple. The incident occurred in Hiroli village of Aland taluk in Kalburgi District on Shivarathri to fulfil the vow.
This is the second incident in 2020, which has gone viral. It is also noted that  BJP legislator MP Renukacharya participated in the ritual and posted photos and videos of the festival on his social media accounts where a Dalit woman can be seen tied to a wooden pole as part of Sidi ritual at Kenchikoppa of Davanagere district, Karnataka on January 28, 2020.
Anti-superstition Bill:
This Bill was passed by both houses of the state legislature in 2017 when Siddaramaiah-led Congress government was in office. Earlier in January, Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala gave his assent to the Bill.
Sidi ritual:
According to reports, Sidi is the penalty Dalits agreed to pay to Udusalamma, when one of their forefathers was caught stealing paddy. Some say this is a 50-year-old ritual.
During this ritual, people from the Dalit community sit facing the temple, their mouths covered with thin metal needles for a ritual called Baayige Beega. In some other places, people of this community are tied to a wooden pole. It should be also noted that in some places, Dalits are found fanning the embers of burning coal and tree bark.
In different parts of Karnataka, this ritual is conducted in various ways.
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