Manavva chose to become a Devadasi and a sex worker because, as a girl, she had seen other Devadasis in her village and was attracted to the beautiful saris and jewellery which they could afford.  After thity years as a sex worker she owns her own home.  By being responsible for her home and earnings she has taken on the male role in India society. The yellow powder of tumeric marks out followers of Yellamma.