Karnataka Village Worships Cats as Goddesses, Defying Superstition

• Bekkalale village in Mandya, Karnataka, reveres cats as a form of goddess, a stark contrast to the common belief of them being an ill omen.
• The tradition stems from an ancient belief that a goddess appeared as a cat to save the village from danger.
• Cats are given special treatment in homes and temples, including dedicated feeding times, sleeping spots, and symbolic idols.
• Harming a cat is a serious offense, leading to social punishment or even expulsion from the village; dead cats are cremated with respect.
• Villagers believe cats warn of misfortune and protect homes from pests, aligning with ancient Egyptian reverence for cats.