Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 13: A controversy has erupted in Mangaluru after devotees were allegedly given used sarees instead of new ones. The incident took place at MP Silks, a clothing store near Hampankatta in the city.

Members of the temple management committee confronted the store owner after returning the sarees. The issue surfaced during the annual festival at a temple in Puttur, where around 8,000 to 9,000 sarees were purchased by the temple administration to be distributed free of cost to devotees.

Ravi Poojary, president of the temple committee, stated, “As per the temple’s tradition, sarees were sanctified through a week-long puja before being distributed as a sacred offering to around 8,000 female devotees from five coastal districts. However, several women later approached us, showing that they had received old and used sarees. This was deeply distressing for us.”

The temple administration had procured sarees worth approximately Rs 12 to 13 lakh in 41 bundles from MP Silks. They alleged that a large-scale fraud had taken place.

Following the revelation, outraged temple members loaded all 8,000 sarees onto a pickup vehicle and dumped them in front of MP Silks as a mark of protest. They expressed their disappointment, stating that despite their intention to offer pure and devotional gifts, the poor-quality and used sarees had dishonored the sacred offering.

Preparations for the saree distribution had been made well in advance, and MP Silks was chosen as the supplier due to familiarity and trust. The committee admitted that they had not thoroughly checked the sarees before distribution. It was only after devotees raised concerns about their quality that the issue came to light.

Condemning MP Silks for tarnishing the temple’s reputation, the committee warned that transactions with such businesses should be approached with caution. In response, the store owner admitted that a mistake had occurred and attempted to clarify the situation. However, despite the explanation, the sarees were left in front of the store as a sign of protest.