Objections from the BJP-Sangh Parivar to Dalit organisations’ plans to observe Mahisha Dasara — a celebration of Mahishasura — has led several district administrations in Congress-ruled Karnataka to restrict the public conduct of the event, ostensibly to prevent law-and-order problems.

The Chikmagalur administration has been the latest to crack the whip, banning assemblies across the south Karnataka district from October 19 to 24, a period that covers the entire duration of what remains of the Navaratri festival that culminates in Dasara.

Dalit organisations believe that Mahishasura was a benevolent indigenous king who ruled around the 3rd century BC, and was slain by Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) in his fight with upper caste Hindus. Dalit organisations have been celebrating Mahisa Dasara at several places in the state during Dasara — the traditional celebration of Chamundeshwari slaying Mahishasura.

Dalit scholar and activist Siddeswamy accused the Congress government of being too cautious about the threats from the Sangh-BJP. “We had observed Mahisa Dasara when the BJP was in power, but now we are faced with this kind of harassment,” he told The Telegraph.

Several Dalit organisations had decided to hold Mahisha Dasara in Chikmagalur on October 20 and invited progressive writers such as K.S. Bhagawan and Mahesh Chandra Guru. The programme was to include a march from the Hanumanthappa Circle to Azad Park, followed by a public meeting.

However, Chikmagalur deputy commissioner C.N. Meena Nagaraj issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC based on a recommendation from superintendent of police Vikram Amathe.

Dalit organisations had earlier been forced to limit their Mahisha Dasara celebrations in Udupi, coastal Karnataka, to the local Ambedkar Bhavan on October 15 after the district administration denied permission for the public event they had planned.

Mysore, said to derive its name from Mahishasura, had witnessed a Mahisha Dasara celebration on October 13 evening. However, while Dalit organisations had for several years observed the event at the Mahisha statue atop Chamundi Hills, near the Chamundi Temple, the district administration forced the event to be confined this time to the Town Hall after the BJP threatened a counter-event.

Guru, the progressive writer, expressed disappointment at these orders. “We have been peacefully celebrating Mahisha Dasara in honour of the indigenous king. While the world celebrates indigenous people, it’s only here that we are being sidelined,” Guru told this newspaper.

“It’s a question of our faith in the legacies of Mahisha, Buddha and Ashoka. Why are we being denied permission to hold a peaceful celebration of a king that we believe was our leader? It’s wrong.”