After forum puts pressure, non-Hindu vendors not allowed in Karnataka's Sullia temple fest

MANGALURU: A prominent endowment temple in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada district has decided not to allow non-Hindu vendors during its 'jatrotsava', the annual festival.
The management committee of Sullia Sri Channakeshava Temple had earlier decided to hold a public auction to allot stalls for all participants, without considering their religion.
The temple committee's decision had invited the wrath of Hindu Hitarakshana Vedike. The forum members put pressure on the temple committee and on the government authorities demanding that the stalls and business premises should be allotted during the temple fair to only Hindu traders and vendors. Vedike leaders led by convener Chidananda Vidyanagar had submitted a memorandum to the temple committee, department of religious endowment and police with the demand not to auction stalls to people from other religions.
Decision after meeting
Following this, the temple held a meeting and decided that stalls will not be allotted to non-Hindus during the festival, sources said. The annual festival of the temple got underway on January 2 and will be held till January 12.
KPCC spokesperson Bharath Mundodi objected to the temple's decision. "It is unfortunate that the temple has changed its previous decision by imposing a ban on traders from other religions during the festival. The temple should have taken a decision to maintain harmony in society. In fact, 'Jatrotsava' in Hindu temples are a symbol of unity with people from all religions celebrating together. If the temple committee has real concern towards poor Hindu traders, then they should be given space for trade during the festival without charging rent," Mundodi told TOI. He said he has submitted a memorandum to the temple authorities. However, the temple authorities were not available for comment.
Kukke did not allow non-Hindus
It may be recalled that ahead of Champa Shashti festival recently, the management committee of Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple also had decided not to allow non-Hindu traders to conduct business in temple premises. The Hindu Jagaran Vedike (HJV) had put up a banner against non-Hindu traders conducting business on Kukke Temple premises.