We frequently hear news highlighting injustice and atrocities committed against the Dalit community who occupy the lowest strata of the Nepali society.
We frequently hear news highlighting injustice and atrocities committed against the Dalit community who occupy the lowest strata of the Nepali society. News reports on the exploitation of the Dalits by the so-called high-caste people in the Far-western Region are covered by media almost on a daily basis.
Amidst such sad state of affairs, it is almost a pleasant surprise to know that residents of Gajur-8 in Baitadi accept prayers, blessings and offerings from a Dalit priest in the revered Banarasi temple located on the banks of the Surnaya river.
Locals from more than a dozen VDCs in the area do not believe in caste hierarchy, avoid discriminating against fellow beings and live harmoniously with the Dalits. As per the tradition, the so-called high caste Brahmins and Chettris, too, participate in rituals at the temple whose main priest is a Dalit.
“The non-Dalits take the blessings and temple offerings without any kind of qualms,” smiled local Ramesh Koli, a Dalit community leader and social worker.
The locals of Gajur, which has served as a model VDC against caste discrimination, believe that the Banarasi deity would be pleased only if a Dalit priest performs the sacred worships and rituals.
“This unique tradition in the temple taught us to stand against all kind of caste-based discrimination,” said local Man Bahadur Bista.
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