An archaic and illegal religious norm continues to be a part of everyday life in Tamil Nadu. A Thomson Reuters Foundation report sheds light on a form of the devadasi system – a practice of keeping young girls in village temples to be worshipped as goddesses – and how this gross violation of human rights is still in practice.

Deavdasis in the 21st century

According to a recent National Human Rights Commission report, this ritual where girls are dressed as brides and then “their dresses are removed, virtually leaving them naked” amounts to abuse and slavery, and is banned.

The devadasi system, which “dedicates” girls to a life of sex work in the name of religion, was outlawed in 1988. Yet, it is bizarre that in the 21st century, girls as young as 10 are forced to live bare-chested at a temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai as part of a bizarre ritual.