Karnataka law aims to end Devadasi system and support families
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In Karnataka, India, Chandalinga Kalalabandi, a grandson of a Devadasi, now leads efforts to support families affected by the Devadasi system, a practice where girls are dedicated to temples and often subjected to exploitation.
Kalalabandi grew up witnessing the hardship faced by Devadasis and their children, including social stigma, lack of legal paternity, and poverty. He founded Vimukta Devadasi Mahila Vedike (VDMV) to document these realities and advocate for change.
For decades, the 1982 Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act failed to fully address the problem or provide relief to impacted families. Kalalabandi and his organization pushed for a new policy, culminating in a 2025 bill that completely outlaws the Devadasi system and expands rehabilitation programs. A survey conducted with his involvement revealed that 91.79 percent of Devadasi women in the state are illiterate, highlighting the need for long-term support.
The organization held a mass marriage for 32 children of Devadasis in 2018, drawing attention to their plight and prompting government action. While the government has announced aid packages and land distribution, with 1,039 women already receiving land, full implementation of the new law remains ongoing. Kalalabandi continues to advocate for the community, ensuring they receive the support promised to them.
