Devadasis in medieval India were held in very high regard. They dedicated their lives to the service of God. These women were custodians of various art forms, especially music and dance. Being financially independent, they made a living by singing and dancing in temples or in front of royalty. 

However, modern Devadasis are nothing more than s*x slaves or child prostitutes who are dedicated to temples at puberty. Almost all of them belong to marginalized communities in India. 

Coming from very poor families, parents are forced to sell their daughters into prostitution. Can you imagine how terrifying this must be for a young child?

The Devadasi system was formally abolished in all of India in 1988, but the tradition continued to remain alive in the region because of socio-economic factors. In fact, according to the National Human Rights Commission, in 2013, there were as many as 450,000 Devadasis in India. Another commission led by Justice Raghunath Rao revealed that there are about 80,000 Devadasi women in just Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Many individuals and organizations have stepped up to completely eradicate this system by empowering and supporting these women.

One such organization is Mahila Abhivruddi Mattu Samrakshana Samsthe (MASS), established with the goal of checking revival of devadasi system, securing livelihoods, rights and justice for women and children. It is based in the Belgaum district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. 

Life has been extremely hard for these women. They have only known pain and suffering since their childhood. Many of them are now mothers and hope for a better life for their children. Let’s send them a gift containing a saree, a set of bangles and a pack of bindis.

1. Mahila Abhivruddi Mattu Samrakshana Samsthe (MASS) - Mahila Abhivruddi Mattu Samrakshana Samsthe (MASS) is based in the Belgaum district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. MASS mainly works with dalit women with a focus on ex-Devadasi women and their children. It is a membership association of ex-devadasi women and was registered as a society in September 1997 under the Karnataka Societies Act of 1960. MASS evolved as part of the withdrawal strategy of the Devadasi rehabilitation projects of Karnataka State Women Development Corporation (KSWDC) and MYRADA with funding support from Oxfam NOVIB. ‘Devadasi’ is an old tradition1 in some parts of India, wherein a young dalit girl is dedicated to a local deity/goddess and is expected to lead a life in service of the goddess.

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