Govt ban defied, animals slaughtered at Manikeswari shrine

Bhawanipatna: The famous Manikeswari temple here witnessed bloodshed due to mass sacrifice of animals before the deity on the occasion of famous Chhatar Yatra on Thursday.

Despite a government ban, more than 10,000 animals and birds were slaughtered on either side of the road near temple during the procession of the Goddess.

Like every year, thousands of devotees from various corners of the district performed puja and many of them offered animal sacrifice before the deity.

Apart from local residents, thousands of devotees from neighboring districts also take part in the rituals. People here believe that the deity will fulfill their wishes when the animals are sacrificed in front of her.

An awareness programme was launched to stop this gory ritual. But there is something more to do to create awareness among the tribal", Additional SP said.

Even though several activist groups have been trying to prevent the killings, religious sentiment override their protests.