Eshwarappa’s ‘monkey business’ has Shivamogga in splits

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Shivamogga: Why did a host of VIPs, including Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa and seers from local mutts attend the birthday party of a monkey? Those of us who are familiar with the Hindu pantheon think of Lord Hanuman – the monkey is still worshipped as an avatar. Even so, it’s anybody’s guess, since the Minister didn’t say!

Six years ago, the monkey was presented to a lady and her five children when their father passed away. She has become an important part of the family since and her birthday is celebrated on December 5 each year. She is a much-loved part of the household, playing with the children and even eating her meals at the table with them. On Sunday, dressed in a lacy pink dress, solemnly accepting a piece of birthday cake as everyone clapped, the monkey had no complaints.