We have seen a lot of bizarre things happening in our country in the name of faith. A recent show Aashram starring Bobby Deol in MX Player showed how blind faith in Godmen and priests could be oh-so-dangerous. Taking things a little too far, a traditional fair in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district witnessed a bizarre ritual where over 200 childless women lay on the ground and let priests walk on their backs beseeching the blessings from a local Goddess.
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The Madhai Mela Is An Annual Tradition
This is a congregation called ‘Madhai Mela’ held every year on the first Friday after Diwali attended by thousands of devotees. People come here to offer their reverence to Goddess Angaarmoti. This is a 500-year-old tradition, and locals believe that women are miraculously blessed with a child after they visit this fair. Haridwar To Ferry Pilgrims And Tourists Via Hovercrafts For Mahakumbh 2021
Over 200 married women yearning to conceive lay on the ground and a group of priests walked on their backs beseeching the blessings from a local Goddess during ‘Madhai Mela’ in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district. pic.twitter.com/dmO9iKkLHZ
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) November 22, 2020
The Mass Gathering Flouted All COVID-19 Norms
Ironically, this time it was the outright flouting of Covid-19 norms. People flocked to the fair without masks, and no one cared about the social distancing norms. Childless women are seen lying on their stomach as the priests walked over their back, chanting mantras and holding flags as the keen villagers watch the ritual. Numerous Tourists Flock To The Beaches Near Kolkata Like Digha And Mandarmani, Hotels Packed.
An Inhuman & Unscientific Practice
While one has the freedom to offer prayers the way they like, such ritualistic practice is downright inhuman and unscientific. With priests trampling on the women, it can be the cause of severe injuries. It’s high time we move over such superstitious practices and think rationally.
Strangely, the district administration allowed the fair to happen even during the pandemic. During these times, this type of unnecessary mass gathering can be a breeding ground for the virus. These types of superstitious tradition prevailing even during this day and age should come to a stop. What do you think?