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With the Tamil Nadu government legislating a ban on the 'burial ritual', the traditional offering in village temples are being made without 'burial proper'.
Armed with a bill that is yet to receive the governor's consent, the police intervened in one such burial ritual at the Sri Muthalamman temple in Madurai district.
The temple priests then modified the ritual by asking the 130 children who were to make the 'burial offering' to lie on layers of neem leaves. The priests then jumped, or leapt over the child, to ward off evil spirits.
The parents of the children were not too happy with the improvised ritual, but they did not have a choice.
As per tradition, children are buried alive to fulfil vows during the Kuzhi Maatru Thiruvizha festival that has been in vogue in the village for over 400 years.
Following wide media coverage of the burial ritual, following a similar ritual at a twin-temple in Perayoor village recently, the National Human Rights Commission had sought information from the state government, which led to the formulation a bill.
Earlier Reports: NHRC issues notice on 'burial festival' TN minister to quit over 'burial festival' controversy
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