Thousands of Animals Sacrificed En-Masse in Chhatar Jatra to Appease Goddess in Kalahandi Dist

Bhawanipatna: As part a tradition continuing since generations, thousands of animals were sacrificed en-masse during the Chhatar Jatra festival of presiding deity Maa Manikeswari at wee hours on Friday on outskirts of Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district.

The animal sacrifices at the spot continued for several hours with the yells of sacrificed animals filing the air.

Local administration did not prefer to interfere and stop this gory practice. Thousands of animals with their garlanded necks were put to gallows as part of religious celebration accompanied by frantic beating of drums.

Locals believe that the Manikeswari deity continues to shield the region from the scourge of Nature’s fury. Offering animals is a token gesture of reverence towards the Goddess.

The administration and police made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order during the annual event.

As a cruel irony, this animal sacrifice festival culminated with people releasing doves in the air as a mark of peace.