Durga Puja of Keshabpur in Mahisadal

Activists protest against animal sacrifice rituals
Biswabrata Goswami MAHISADAL, Oct. 7: Like every year, 300-year-old Maity family Durga puja of Keshabpur in Mahisadal has attracted the wrath of animal rights activists for patronising animal sacrifice during the puja.The activists cannot do much to stop the practice unless the state government comes forward to implement the Animals and Birds Sacrifice Prohibition Act like Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Though, the animal rights activists believe it’s shameful that this "medieval custom" is still followed here.Dr Subrata Maity, secretary of the Mahisadal zonal committee of West Bengal Vigyan Manch said: “We organise regular movements against this practice but since this is attached with Hindu rituals, we cannot stop it by merely taking a drive. We are trying to motivate the people and the Maity family not to patronise any animal sacrifice rituals during the puja for many years, but little has changed. More support from administration, panchayat and politicians is required to stop the practice here. But, I hope we will be able to stop animal sacrifice in the coming days.”Mr Bankim Maity, one of the successors of the Maity family said: “They have no custom to offer animals before the Goddess but the tradition has forced them to do it. Many years ago, a Brahmin who was against the sacrifice of animals was punished by the Divine force. Since then, the family continues the animal sacrifice during the puja and local residents participate in the rituals. Like every year, hundreds of goats will be slaughtered in front of the temple and over 100 people have already written their names before the puja authorities till 9 a.m. today and this figure will rise by tomorrow.” source: the statesman

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