GUWAHATI, INDIA, September 26, 2003: Despite protests from animal rights activists, Durga puja at the Kamakhya temple will incorporate the sacrifice of animals again this year. The article says the rituals encompass traditions from local tribals, Shakti cults, and Buddhist tantric practices. Khagen Sikdar, a priest at the temple says, “Several animal sacrifices are made here. Goats, pigeons, ducks and at least 12 to 14 buffaloes are sacrificed.” Sikdar’s family has been serving at the temple for several generations. He further adds, “It’s true there’s a lot of division amongst Hindus whether or not sacrifices should be banned, but it’s a tradition for centuries which will continue. It doesn’t depend on what we like or dislike. Sacrifice means giving away from one self and that takes manifestation in a buffalo, goat or pigeon. It’s not because you want to kill the animal.”
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