Fri Mar 21 12:16:14 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Bans Risky “Sidi” Ritual Despite Local Preparations
**Shivamogga, Karnataka, March 21, 2025** – The Hassan district administration has banned the dangerous “Sidi” ritual, a hook-swinging practice, scheduled for March 22nd as part of the Udusalamma festival in Hariharapura. Deputy Commissioner C. Sathyabhama stated that the taluk administration had not granted permission for the ritual, despite villagers’ preparations, including the felling of a tree and preparations near the temple.
The Sidi ritual involves participants having iron hooks inserted into their backs before being suspended from a rotating tree trunk. While residents of Chakenahalli, Hariharapura, and surrounding villages had planned the event and invited guests, the ritual has been prohibited following a report in *The Hindu*. The intervention of senior Social Welfare Department officials prompted the ban.
Although the ritual was previously performed by select Dalit families, educated community members halted the practice in 2021. The administration will permit other aspects of the Udusalamma festival to continue.
First Piper 