Babies dropped as thanksgiving

Sun, May 11 12:05 AM

It's a tradition that's remained unchanged for over five centuries. Parents drop their children from 40-foot-high a tower so that they turn out healthy and strong.

And locals say not a single casualty has been reported. In Mouje Musti village, Solapur, a three-day annual fair that begins on the fifth day of the Chaitra month attracts thousands of devotees country-wide.

Infants less than a year old are dropped from the top of the holy shrine of Shaikh Umar Saheb onto a mattress held by people waiting below. Shahaban Mujawar, whose family takes care of the shrine, said childless couples pray to Shaikh Umar Saheb and when they are blessed with children, this is how they express their gratitude.

"It has to be done within a year of birth," he said. Nana Paralkar, a priest from the village, adds, "Hindus and Muslims gather here every year.

The government even organises special buses." Bhausaheb Mahadeo Kalke, 47, a teacher with a zilla parishad school, lost eight children within days of their birth.

Frustrated, he requested a transfer to Mouje Musti village and prayed at the shrine. His only son is now in Std IV. He named his son Shekhar to rhyme with Shaikh Umar Saheb.

There is no official record of the shrine's history. Ashok Kasture, a journalist from Mouje Musti, said it might have come up in the 12th century, considering the style of architecture.

"Shaikh Umar Saheb was a Sufi saint in 12th century and had a large following here. He died on "panchami" (the fifth day) of Chaitra," Kasture said.

Traditionally, the baby is put in a cradle and taken to the top by the Ghatge family. The Hare family - earlier retired soldier Appaji Shankar Hare (78), and now his son Pappu - are responsible for dropping the baby.

Though they do this for hours, the families do not get any monetary benefits. Such is the custom's popularity that the government cannot interfere in it and police are deployed to control the crowds.

RECOMMEND THIS STORY