Express News Service
After the death of Bangaravva, a virtuous woman, a solemn procession consisting of over a 100 people is performing her third-day karya (rite or ritual). As they walk resolutely towards the graveyard, a draft of wind hits the fire of the kullaggi (the sacred ritual fire made of cowdung cakes), due to which it falls to the ground. This is considered inauspicious, as according to custom, the fire should be carried by hand and never be placed on the ground. As a result, the ceremony is disrupted. A series of events ensue, leading to chaos and confusion. As the panchayat struggles to pronounce justice, the division between castes and communities comes to the fore.