BANPUR: The indefinite strike launched by supporters of animal sacrifice and sevayats of Bhagabati temple entered the second day today. They began the strike on Saturday night after administrative officials stopped the age-old practice of animal sacrifice on Thursday and Friday nights following an order by the Orissa High Court.
As many as 132 goats were rescued from Bhagabati and Kanaka Durga temples by the officials and handed over to People for Animals (PFA) organisation.
Following this, sevayats of the temple and supporters of animal sacrifice began a dharna on the temple premises, demanding return of the goats and an apology from Khurda Sub Collector Gangadhar Sahu. They alleged that during seizure of the animals, Sahu entered the temple with his shoes on.
The Sub Collector said that he had acted as per the direction of the High Court and added that the allegation made against him was baseless.
PARADIP: NOTWITHSTANDING ban on animal sacrifice in Sirlo Devi Shakti Pitha in Raghunathpur area here on Mahaastami, the Pitha management sacrificed a goat to appease the Goddess.
More than 3,000 animals were sacrificed every year at the Devi's altar till 2003 when a PIL was filed in the Orissa High Court by one K C Mohapatro. Following this, the Devi Pitha management decided to do away with the practice. However, every year a goat is sacrificed to maintain the age-old practice.
Bijaya Ray, the legal successor of the Pitha, said his forefathers had established the Pitha in 1586 during the Durga Puja and the animal sacrifice was practised since then. "After the ban, one goat is sacrificed every year so that the religious sentiments of people are not hurt and the practice is maintained," he said.
Meanwhile, the Durga idols of 130 pandals across the district were immersed today.