Balasore/ Bhawanipatna: Kalahandi district administration has launched an awareness drive by taking out processions and distributing leaflets to sensitise people against animal sacrifices during Chhatar Jatra, the festival of Maa Manikeswari, the presiding deity of Kalahandi district. The festival is being held after four days.
On Saturday a procession of students, NCC cadets and scouts from several schools was flagged off by collector Chandramani Badnayak at 8 am from his residence. Marching through the town holding placards the students raised slogans against animal sacrifice. They were seen distributing leaflets to the public. The procession was taken out after strong warnings from the Supreme Court and the High Court.
This festival begins early on Thursday. As per tradition devotees would offer animal sacrifice to the goddess and both sides of the road would get drenched with the blood of thousands of innocent animals. Animal sacrifices have been stopped in all districts except Kalahandi, Balangir and Sonepur.
Meanwhile, Balasore Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) Dr Nityananda Das who is also the honorary secretary of the Zilla Jibe Daya Nistura Nirodh Samiti, an organisation fighting for animal rights, has urged the public and organisers of puja committees to avoid animal sacrifices during Durga and Kali pujas. Devotees offer animal sacrifices before the goddess at some places across the state.
Dr Das said that conducting animal sacrifices to appease the goddess is an abominable practice rooted in blind faith. The Supreme Court has banned animal sacrifices and it has been stopped at the shrines of Charchika, Bhagabati and Rakhyakali. He requested the public not to offer animals for sacrifice at puja venues or encourage the practice. PNN
