Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law bang heads in unique ritual

CHITRADURGA: A unique ritual, where mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law bang their heads against each other was held at Nannihal in Challakere taluk on Wednesday. The ritual was restarted after a gap of 10 years.

The ritual was carried out by women of the Myasa Beda tribal community following the failure of the south-west and north-east monsoons last year. It was organised as part of the 12 Pettige Devara Gugguri festival which was held between March 2 and 7. Special prayers were also held for Muttaiah Devaru, the presiding deity of the Myasa Beda community.

It is believed that Gadripala Nayaka, a cultural icon of the community, had fought with a tiger and the head banging ritual is held to commemorate the heroic act. Also, no coconuts are offered to the deity and instead, the ritual is held.

Devotees believe that the ritual will bring good rain and crops and public good. It is also believed to foster good relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.