MADURAI, INDIA, May 17, 2004: Hindu devotees in Madurai are up in arms over a proposed ban on animal sacrifice. Though animal sacrifice has been banned in India, the practice is still alive in some areas, albeit in a secretive way, states this report from New Kerala.com. The devotees say the state government has no right to reinforce an existing law, which was revoked just before the national polls. Devotees said they would not give up the ritual as it was an integral part of their tradition. “Animal sacrifice is an integral part of our society which has evolved with time. How can we give up that? We want it to stay all time,” S. Ramar, a devotee said.
Recently in another temple festival in the same district more than 3000 goats were sacrificed. The devotees said they were ready to face any consequence for defying the ban. “This festival is famous for animal sacrifice. It is this ritual which brings thousands of people to the temple and fills up the temple coffers. So the sacrifice in no way harms anybody. We don’t care for the laws. Even if it is banned we will continue it because it is our custom and we cannot give it up, come what may,” Ganeshan, another devotee said. The devotees have also challenged the ban in the courts, saying it violated the freedom of religion enshrined in the constitution. The court had ordered the state government to maintain status quo pending final orders.
HPI adds: Animal rights advocate Menaka Gandhi points out that a recent upsurge in animal sacrifice has come because it can be profitable for a priest or temple. Most Hindus would not endorse the practice.
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