AVANIYAPURAM JALLIKATTU 14 JAN 2010
Alanganallur jallikattu-2010
Animal Welfare Board to monitor jallikattu ‘closely’ Chennai, Jan 10 (PTI)
As Tamil Nadu geared up for ‘jallikattu’ (bull taming) during the
harvest festival Pongal next week, the Animal Welfare Board today
warned against violation of Supreme Court guidelines and said it would
closely monitor the conduct of the traditional sport.
This season, about 600 bulls were expected to participate in the
jallikatu in over 175 locations across the state and the board had
received 122 applications for registration in the first phase, its
Chairman R M Kharb told reporters here.
The apex court had laid down series of guidlelines for the conduct of
the sport following complaints from animal rights activists about
cruelty to the bulls besides large number of casualties among
competitors.
He said special monitoring teams would be sent to Avaniayapuram,
Palamedu and Alanganallur, where the jallikattu attracts foreign
tourists, to videograph the events.
Kharb criticised District Collectors for not following the court
guidelines. Desipite the stipulation that registration of bull owners
should be done a month in advance, the board had received applications
forwarded by District Collectors only last week, he said.
During the last year festival season, over 1,600 people were seriously
injured and 12 people were killed, he said adding that the festival
would be held in a more “professional way” this season.
Board Vice-Chairman Dr S Chinny Krishna said the board had so far
received 122 registrations of which approvals have been given to 121.
“In the second phase, we have to clear 200 applications. We will do it
over the next few days.,” he said.”Doping of the bulls or giving extra
performing drugs during the festival should be strongly avoided,” he
urged
JALLIKATTU
THE TRADITIONAL adventure sport Jallikattu, conducted in villages near
Madurai during Pongal has degenerated into an unequal fight between a
frightened and tortured animal and fiercely unruly mobs with no rules
and regulations to govern them.
The unfortunate bull, released into a `route’, tries to run for its
life while the groups of `adventurers’ lining on either side subject
it to untold suffering by raining blows on the helpless animal.
As it tries to escape from these `men of valour’, spectators become
the targets of attack of the `ferocious bull’.
When a bull gathers courage and starts staring, the `adventurers’ run
helter skelter resulting in a stampede.
There are instances of `heroes’ who succeed in `taming the bull’
becoming easy victims of the wrath of the owners and/or the friends
and supporters of the owners of the bull.
There is neither adventure nor sportsmanship in this.
It is only chaos and confusion.
In other words, Jallikattu has become a crude show of cruelty to
animal resulting in unnecessary loss of limbs and life.
If it cannot be conducted in an orderly manner, in an arena with
barricades to protect the onlookers and without subjecting the animal
to cruelty then the Government better ban it.
D.Samuel Lawrence,
12, Immanuel Street, Tilak Nagar,
New Natham Road, Thiruppalai,
Madurai-625 014.
* * *
THOUGH ONCE considered a heroic sport, I feel Jallikattu should be
banned given the increasing number of fatal injuries.
The recent car race held during Ramzan served as an eye opener to
senior Muslim citizens and they have decided to ban it from next year.
As it is thousands of people are fighting diseases and struggling for
life in hospitals, why add to such tragic incidents and lose young and
energetic youths.
If the sport has to be played then precautionary steps need to be
taken, like barbed fencing, releasing single animals at intervals so
that crowd does not get mixed up with the contestants.
Bunks should be provided as a safeguard.
Intoxicating the animals or torturing them during the sport should be
banned.
Barnes Dhanaswami,
1, South Street,
Singarayar Colony,
Madurai-2.
* * *
JALLIKATTU IS a primitive sport that was encouraged by the village
Lords and is specific to Tamilnadu.
The sport exposed the valour and dignity of the participants.
Brides and kingdom were offered to the winners.
The Jallikattu Bull (Kaalai) is majestic in appearance and still
popular in villages during Pongal.
Several Tamil films feature this sport to portray a larger than life
image of the heroes.
Allanganallur Jallikattu is a popular event taking place each year.
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department even arranges sight seeing for
interested foreigners who seem to be enjoying the sport.
However, the participants have to pay a high price if the balls go
wrong.
Even the onlookers watch the sport at a risk to their lives.
Yet, Jallikattu is considered to be a matter of pride and prestige for
the village youth just like Thai Pongal is to farmers.
Ms. Vijayaletchumi,
Plot No.236,
K.K.Nagar, Madurai-20.
* * *
OF THE oldest bravery games in Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu is one. This is
a bravery game but dangerous. It is very popular in Alanganallur near
Madurai. Interested people participate coming from neighbouring
districts while foreigners show keen interest in watching. In the 21st
Century many olden days games of bravery and valour are getting lost
while Jallikattu perhaps remains as the only heritage sport on
display. But fighters and viewers run the risk of getting killed when
the game is on. It should be ensured that Jallikattu administrative
committee, the Police Department and medical teams take over the
security, safety and emergency arrangements during the event.
T.Johnson,
14/48, 1st Cross Street,
Lilly Illam, New Pankajam Colony,
Kamarajar Salai,
Madurai-625009.
* * *
JALLIKATTU IS considered a traditional symbol of Tamil courage. It
finds mention in Sangam literature like Kalithogai, Mullaipattu,
Silapathikaram and Modern literature. Alanganallur is very famous for
Jallikattu at the National level. It is practised in many places in
Madurai district and in some places of Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram
districts and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
There is a section that wants this courageous traditional sports to be
banned. Instead, some modifications can be made.
Like providing adequate medical facilities at the Jallikattu grounds,
proper training imparted to the warriors and suitable cash proze
announced by the State Government.
G.Natarajan
H 714 Ellis Nagar,
Madurai-10.
* * *
ONE OF the oldest bravery village games, Jallikattu is followed even
now with much enthusiasm during Pongal.
Alanganallur in Madurai is particularly famous when different
varieties of Ox are brought from villages to the fighting arena and
brave young men show off their valour, strength and talent taming
them.
It is sad that while some win prizes, many get injured and even die as
the game is played dangerously in unsafe conditions.
S.Karthick
B.Sc Maths II Year
S.N.College, Madurai-22.
* * *
IN THE name of valour in Tamilian culture, Jallikattu prevails as a
barbarian custom in and around Madurai.
Fighting ferocious bulls is an uncivilized practice. It is torturous
for the animal and rings the death knell for many people. The State
Government has taken a bold decision to ban animal sacrifice in
temples. Similarly, Jallikattu should be banned.There are several ways
of exhibiting bravery but definitely not in a manner which effects
human casualty. Jallikattu is an irony, not pride of Tamil Culture.
V.Kumaresan,
`Tamil Nilam’, 5, Elango Street,
Sundar Nagar, Thirunagar,
Madurai-625 006.
* * *
THE TRADITIONAL game, Jallikattu, is an integral part of Pongal
celebrations. But nobody seems to care about the dangerous elements
attached to it. It is said that Jallikattu is full of strength and
courage. But what about those innumerable people who get injured. Is
it justified to show a man’s courage and power on helpless animals? To
ensure safety of animals the government should ban such activities.
M.Venkatesh,
MSS Wakf Board College,
K.K.Nagar, Madurai-20.
* * *
JALLIKATTU IS stated to be a symbol of bravery, the physical strength
and mental well being of Tamilians. But it should be banned to avoid
unnecessary loss of lives.
As a doctor, I have seen number of patients admitted to Government
Rajaji Hospital each year with multiple injuries all over the body.
They become dependent on others for life and it is depressing and
frustrating for their family members.
V.Nedumaran,
PG, Department o Anaesthesia,
Madurai Medical College,
Madurai-20.
Supreme Court permits ‘jallikattu’ for five months
J. Venkatesan
“Animals participating in the event have to be categorised as per the
Act”
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the Tamil Nadu
government to allow ‘jallikattu’ for five months in a year from
January 15 in accordance with the law enacted by it for regulation of
the event.
A Bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik in its
order made it clear that the animals participating in the event were
to be categorised as per the provisions of the Act.
The Bench directed the District Collectors to ensure that the animals
requiring participation were registered with the Animal Welfare
Board., which Board should send its representative to monitor the
event.
Under the Act, no ‘jallikattu’ would be permitted or held without the
permission of the Collector and such permission should be obtained one
month in advance. Further the event should be held only in notified
places.
Taking into consideration the Board’s submission that last year 12
deaths were reported and 1,614 persons injured in the events, the
Bench directed the Collectors to categorise the events into larger and
smaller ones and said a larger amount should be deposited when the
events were larger and where deaths had taken place in 2009. The Bench
asked the State to consider the Board’s suggestion for framing the
rules.
In its response, the State said ‘jallikattu’ was an ancient, religious
and sentimental cultural game that was being conducted for more than
400 years in villages during Pongal/harvestseason, temple/church
festivals from January to December. However, as per the law, the event
was restricted to five months from January to May.
The State said at present Rs. 2 lakh was to be deposited by the
organisers for the benefit of the victim, including the victim’s
family, in case of an accident or injury during the event. Since it
was held mostly in villages as part of village festivals, the
enhancement of the amount was not considered. Instead, individual or
group insurance was suggested by collecting a nominal premium amount
through insurance companies by organisers. The government said that a
full-fledged veterinary team would be available at the venue for
testing and certifying the bulls for participation in the event to
provide treatment for bulls that get injured. The Act had sufficient
safeguards and regulations for the orderly conduct of the event and it
was not necessary to incorporate all the suggestions of the petitioner
in the law, the State said.
Adhere to SC norms on ‘jallikattu’: Collector
Special Correspondent
Ground rules: A.Suganthi, District Collector, explaining the norms for
‘jallikattu’ to officials in Pudukottai.
PUDUKOTTAI: Permission for organising the ‘jallikattu’ should be
obtained at least one month ahead of the scheduled date. The
organisers should also ensure that the norms stipulated by the Supreme
Court are strictly adhered to, said A. Suganthi, District Collector.
Addressing officials of police and revenue departments here, the
Collector said that the participants can register their names with the
Revenue department authorities two days before the date of the
‘jallikattu’.
The organisers should submit the details like the number of bulls and
the places from where they are brought to the officials at least a
week before the ritual.
Steps such as tranquillising torturing the bulls should be avoided.
On the arrangement for the fences, the Collector said that double-
layered fence should be set up all around the ‘jallikattu’ zone,
ensuring safety for the spectators.
The organisers would be permitted to deposit their money, only after
due verification of the arrangement for the fences by the police and
Public Works Department officials, she said.
The event would be permitted only after the organisers deposited the
money to be paid as compensation to the injured or the bereaved
families.
The deposit would be refunded only after the Revenue Divisional
Officer confirmed the smooth conduct of the event. Separate uniform
clothes should be used for those taming the bulls and those bringing
the bulls for clinical examination. On no account, white colour should
form a part of the uniform.
The Collector said that the organisers would be held responsible for
loss of property if any, caused during the course of ‘jallikattu’.
The district administration had notified in the district gazette the
norms and also the places where the ‘jallikattu’ should be held.
54 injured in jallikattu at Attur, condition of four serious
Staff Reporter
ATTUR: As many as 54 persons were injured in the jallikattu conducted
as a part of the Pongal celebrations in Koolamedu near here on Friday.
Sources said that of them, four persons, who sustained serious
injuries, were admitted to Attur Government hospital.
The rest were given first aid on the spot.
Police personnel made heavy security arrangements.
Revenue officials were present.
Over 50 injured in Alanganallur jallikattu
R. Sairam
Two bullfighters stated to be serious
MADURAI: More than 50 people, including 20 spectators and bull-owners,
were injured in jallikattu held at Alanganallur near here on Saturday.
The condition of two bullfighters, who were injured on the neck and
head, was stated to be serious.
Six of the injured were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital
(GRH) here. Of them, three were bullfighters. The rest were treated by
a medical team present at the venue.
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers M.K. Alagiri inaugurated
the event.
For the first time, around 1,500 entry tickets were sold at Rs.300
each. The sum collected would go to the government towards the
expenses on gallery, barricades and other security measures.
As many as 113 bullfighters were denied permission to participate on
medical or other grounds. Of the 494 bullfighters who had registered,
only 381 were cleared.
While 377 bulls were allowed for the jallikattu, 22 were rejected on
medical grounds. All of them were vetted by Department of Animal
Husbandry personnel. The bullfighters too were tested for alcohol and
their medical fitness assessed.
Double-barricading was done along the arena to ensure that the
rampaging bulls did not run into the gallery. Police personnel in riot
gear were deployed in large numbers between the barricades.
Surveillance cameras were also installed.
Emergency Management and Research Institute’s 108 service had
stationed four ambulances and a 22-member team close to the arena to
quickly evacuate the wounded. First aid was administered before
referring serious cases to the GRH.
Only bullfighters with the authorised uniform were allowed into the
ring. Those violating the rules and involved in scuffles were evicted
by the police.
P. Moorthy, Sholavandan MLA, one of the organisers, gave away the
prizes to bullfighters and bull-owners. Around 500 gold coins and
household items such as fans, cots and bicycles were among the prizes.
Event monitored
Representatives of the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Society
for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals observed the proceedings.
Collector N. Mathivanan; Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare A.
Tamilarasi; Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) S. Krishnamurthy;
and Superintendent of Police M. Manohar witnessed the event.
Guidelines for Jallikattu
Staff Reporter
KARUR: The district administration has appealed to those organising
Jallikattu and Manju Virattu on Pongal to adhere to the directives of
the Supreme Court and the regulations of the State government.
In a release here on Friday, Collector J. Uma Maheswari said the
events must be organised between January and April.
Permission from the district administration should be obtained one
month in advance.
Besides, the owners should remit Rs. 500 for every ox in favour of the
Animal Welfare Board, Chennai, and get registered in person.
Keep ‘jallikattu’ alive: organisers
Special Correspondent
They want rule on deposit withdrawn
— Photo:S. James
WORRIED:Volunteers of the Veerakula Amaran Iyakkam at the Collectorate
in Madurai on
MADURAI: Instead of directing the organisers of ‘jallikattu’ (bull
fight) to remit a caution deposit of Rs. 2 lakh and above to the
authorities concerned, the government itself may undertake the
responsibility of depositing the required money.
In larger public interest, laws should be suitably amended to
introduce insurance companies to fulfil this criterion. This was the
plea made by members of Veerakula Amaran Iyakkam and Tamizhar
Orunginaippu Kuzhu on Monday.
A delegation submitted a memorandum to the Collector at the
Collectorate here and pleaded for withdrawal of criterion on deposit
money for organising bull fights.
Later, speaking to reporters, its organiser K.R. Murugan said that
‘jallikattu’ had been a “great” sport from time immemorial in rural
pockets and especially during Pongal celebrations it touched its peak.
Bringing in strictures, under some pretext or the other, would pave
way for “slow death” of the sport. The bulls in ‘jallikattu’ should be
looked at by the law makers like any other performing animal.
The recent directive on caution deposit would be difficult to comply
with by organisers of jallikattu in rural pockets. The sport,
considered as an integral part of Tamil culture, might lose its sheen.
In a few years, ‘jallikattu’ might even become a thing of the past,
the members feared. So, the government should examine an alternative
and save the sport by introducing laws which would keep the sport
alive, they pleaded.
4 killed in ‘jallikattu,’ many injured
Tamil Nadu Bureau
Photo: S. James
IN NO MOOD TO BE TAMED: A scene at the jallikattu organised at
Alanganallur near Madurai on Friday. —
Tiruchi: Four persons were killed and over 275 sustained injuries in
‘jallikattu’ held in villages in Tiruchi and Pudukottai districts on
Friday.
Three persons were killed and 59 injured in Aavarankadu village in
Tiruchi district. The deceased were identified as P. Balu (35) of
Koravankurichipatti of Pudukottai district, S. Periaiah (48) of
Srirangapatti and A. Selvaraj (45) of Sadaiyampatti in Sivaganga
district.
In Pudukottai district, the event was held at nine centres, in which
one person was killed and 180 persons were injured. R. Chelliah (57)
of Dawood Mill area in Pudukottai town died on the spot at
Vadamalapur. On Thursday, N. Muruganandam (20) was gored to death in a
‘jallikattu’ held at Budalur near Thanjavur. Three persons were
injured and admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.
In Kalingapatti, 24 persons were injured. The number of injured at
Mudukupatti and Vengaikurichi is put at 20 and 1. At Alanganallur in
Madurai district, over 40 persons were injured in a ‘jallikattu’ on
Friday. Representatives from the Animal Welfare Board of India, Blue
Cross and the district administration, revenue officials and the
police closely monitored the event to ensure compliance with the
guidelines mandated by the Supreme Court. A couple of policemen posted
for security were injured when irate spectators threw stones at them,
angered at the stringent norms imposed on them or on being evicted.
Bull fighters underwent medical tests to ensure none consumed alcohol
before participating in the event.
As was done during the ‘jallikattu’ at Palamedu in Madurai district on
Thursday, the Alanganallur event was fully videographed.
Indians throng Nepal’s Gadhimai fair for animal sacrifice
Sudeshna Sarkar, TNN, Nov 24, 2009, 06.05pm IST
Comments (38)
Tags:Sacrifice|Nepal|Gadhimai Fair|animal
KATHMANDU: Thousands of Indians from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other
states bordering Nepal swarmed to the Himalayan republic’s southern
plains Tuesday to attend a notorious Hindu fair there and sacrifice
animals and birds in the hope their wishes would be fulfilled.
While a debate began to grow in Nepal about the Gadhimai Fair in Bara
district and the wanton cruelty it inflicted on animals, the festival
drew its strength from zealous Indian attendees who have been flocking
to it every five years in a bid to circumvent the ban imposed on
animal sacrifices in their own states.
The name on everyone’s lips on Tuesday, when the slaughter of
buffaloes started, was that of Raman Thakur, a farmer from Sitamarhi
in Bihar who sacrificed 105 buffaloes to show his gratitude. The
goddess, Thakur said, had answered the prayer he had made five years
ago by granting him a son.
Men, women and children poured in from Bihar, most of them carrying
kid goats and roosters, many of which had been smuggled across the
porous Indo-Nepal border, bypassing the few Nepali quarantine posts.
“My son Vishnu has been ill for years and can’t walk,” said Kalaiya
Devi, pointing to a severely malnourished child in her arms whose legs
looked like matchsticks. “I am going to sacrifice a pigeon now and
come back with a buffalo at the next fair if the goddess gives him the
strength to walk.”
People who believe in witchcraft and supernatural powers and were
hardened to suffering due to the suffering they themselves have
undergone for generations are the people who keep the Gadhimai Fair in
Nepal alive while the locals regard it more as an occasion to do brisk
business when their hotels and restaurants remain full.
Ram Mahato, 37, who also came from Sitamarhi, planned to watch the
execution of the animals, visit the circus and drink his fill of local
liquor that has also been doing brisk sale underground despite an
official ban on it. He had not heard of Maneka Gandhi, let alone her
plea to the Nepal government to ban the quinquennial slaughter at
Gadhimai. Neither had he heard that six people, including one from
Motihari, had died after consuming adulterated hooch.
“Gandhi?” he asked, scratching his head. “Is she related to Indira
Gandhi? But then, they have everything, unlike us. They can afford not
to seek the blessings of the goddess.”
The local Maoist MP, Shiv Chandra Kushwaha, said he had decided to
skip attending parliament – which his party had agreed to allow to
convene for three critical days to pass the budget – to attend the
fair since it was for a bigger cause. “About 75 percent of the people
who come to fair to offer sacrifices are Indians. We can’t stop them
because it is a religious sentiment. Why blame us? It is not us who
are making the sacrifices.”
The Maoist MP estimates about 15,000 buffaloes will be killed Tuesday.
On Wednesday, he says, the number of slaughtered goats, roosters and
pigeons will run into hundreds of thousands. The temple authorities
have built a new slaughter house at a cost of nearly NRS 5 million
while a huge pit has been dug to bury the heads of the butchered
animals. The animal skins are being bought by tannery owners in India
and Nepal.
Nepal’s government refused to ban the massacre despite warnings by
animal lovers and livestock experts that it could cause an outbreak of
animal-borne diseases like goat plague, swine flu and bird flu.
Though celebrities like Maneka Gandhi and yesteryear’s sex symbol
French actress Brigitte Bardot raised their voices against the
killings, the root of the problem perhaps is that these voices are not
as potent in the drinking water and electricity-less villages of Bihar
and Uttar Pradesh as the voices of imagined gods and demons.
Comments (38)
Daniel Ratheiser (New Delhi, India)
21 Jun, 2010 03:19 PM
The Gadhimai Mela has indeed created lots of controversies. The media
has hyped the event, while mostly failing to report the complexity of
the issue. For an insider view on the festival I suggest everybody
have a look at this excellent photo essay:
http://blog.knowledge-must.com/archives/29-Gadhimai-Mela-The-Largest-Sacrifice.html
Rama (india)
19 May, 2010 10:20 PM
live and let live
Radu Stefan (Romania)
28 Nov, 2009 12:56 AM
We humans need a special kind of food called education, that is
equally important as normal food and shelter. I am deeply discouraged,
to know that Indians, whom I thought to be a model for the whole world
by protecting cows and being vegetarians, can enjoy or even
participate to this slaughter. Very discouraging…
manoj kumar bam (kl)
25 Nov, 2009 06:24 PM
does anybody knows that animal specially cow buffalo are very cheap in
paahaad and the traders from up bihar and bengal they buy them for
meat and also for skin which they export to south east asian countries
and also to china and these countries they make consumer goods which
they sell to whole world does any body care for this or people have
guts to stop it ,where asimple buffalo can fetch70000 ruppees only the
meat the leather more expensive so another 10000 rupees,where are the
animal right groups ,and manika gandhi ,just you want tostop nepal
because they are not economically not strong .not so good wake up la
animal trade is big business those country which have this kind of
system they are very rich india currency very weak laa only 1 dollar
equal to 45 ruppes but the population is very big the currency is weak
nepal which is just following its unique culture , you donthave to
speak up so much why ,that country is free theyhave there right to
perform there reliogen they dont follow your kind of system they are
not your servent
Agree (1)
Clifford Fernandes (Mangalore)
25 Nov, 2009 05:26 PM
Ignorant barbarians.
Agree (1)Disagree (2)
S Banerjee (Bangalore)
25 Nov, 2009 05:14 PM
Its really sad and sick…and doing this on the name of religion is even
more shameful. But the point is, why do people care for the animals
sacrificed here? Animals are slaughtered all over the world and it
happens every day. Why doesn’t someone ask for a ban on that? And then
what about the animals sacrificed by muslims in Haj or wherever. The
numbers run in millions there. As we progress as a race, we should
stop all inhuman activities towards other species. But is it
practical? More so when we treat our fellow human beings like cattle?
Agree (1)
Govindan Nair (Riyadh – Vasai)
25 Nov, 2009 05:02 PM
ALL ANIMALS AND BIRDS SACRIFICES IN HINDU TEMPLES MUST BE BANNED BY A
LAW, as It is a not a sacred ritual, regardless what the beliefs or
sentiments the hindu mythology hold for it.
rohiit rai (mumbai)
25 Nov, 2009 01:55 PM
this sacrificeis sick its bacisally norms that people carry with there
rituals this has to stop and it wont stop in the name of religion what
are the greenpeace and animalaustralia gonna comment on it
SImon (Australia)
25 Nov, 2009 01:35 PM
What a disgusting, pointless, unintelligent waste of life. What type
of society is it where such witchcraft and inhuman behaviour has a
place? What regard is given to the welfare and peace of these animals?
All this in the name of fictitious gods for the small-minded humans
who are incapable of grasping the reality that surrounds them, and so
resort to pathetic mysticism to console their insignificance. What God
would condone such atrocities? Shame on you all.
Agree (1)
Sunil (Sydney)
25 Nov, 2009 12:47 PM
How sad .. what a people we have become, we have no idea of our faith,
culture and are steeped in supersistions!
VG (Manlia)
25 Nov, 2009 11:06 AM
Can the animal lovers and preachers ban the slaughter of miliions of
turkeys in US every year on the thanksgiving day. Why rules should be
different for Nepalese and Indians.
Keith (Dubai)
25 Nov, 2009 10:42 AM
Creeps….get a hold of yourselves….sacrificing animals must ba
abolished and the perpetrators of this crime must be punished
Shyam (Noida)
Animal sacrifice does yield some results, as it is pleasing to the
demons, ghosts and other lower spirits. Animal sacrifice is also
practiced in Islam and it serves the very same purpose . God doesn’t
want animal blood to please Him. However, lower level spirits like
such offerings. It might sound how an IITian like myself is speaking
all these things. But if you believe in the existence of soul, which
you cannot see, then you must also believe in all the supernatural
things. Those do exist. Unfortunately the people are just trying to
please some supernatural powers and they land deeper in the mire of
sin. That is true of all animal sacrificers, whether they offer to
“Devi” or to “Allah”. The blood is loved by lower level of beings who
can indeed deliver worldly good. That is undesirable for anybody
seeking progress in spiritual life.
Gizza (Sydney)
25 Nov, 2009 10:22 AM
“Imagined gods and demons” – Are you an atheist Sudeshna? You have
every right to be of course but then it may arguably contradict your
animal rights stance since animals do not have a soul/atma and so why
should we humans be so concerned? The only way to reconcile this
dilemma would be by becoming a Jain. But of course Jainism is a
declining religion because of the ahimsa it professes, not to mention
scientifically absurd (stationary planets?) so we are back to square
one, aren’t we?
Sunil Nair (Hyderabad)
25 Nov, 2009 10:19 AM
Are Hindus also barbarians. I was shocked to hear about this festival
for the first time. I used to hate the Bakri Eid. Now, I feel the
Hindus are no different. I feel good education of the illiterates can
stop this cruel act and NO GOD WILL BE HAPPY BY SACRIFICING SOMEONE
ELSE’S LIFE INSTEAD OF YOURS. God won’t pardon you for that act.
S W Kamath (Secunderabad)
25 Nov, 2009 10:05 AM
Shameful and disgusting to have such barbarism and cruelty in this
time and age. It is not surprising that Nepal too suffers from such
poverty and illiteracy, as do the regions from where people are coming
for this kind of activity. Pressure should be put on that Gvoernment
to ban such rituals forthwith by our Government and all animal lovers
worldwide.
Debra (USA)
25 Nov, 2009 09:37 AM
No religion, tradition, or culture justifies this horrible unmerciful
act of butchery against innocent animals. This act of violence which
appears to be nothing but bloody entertainment, is the highest
demonstration ignorance. steeped in superstitious beliefs of
witchcraft and demons. It will be impossible for these people to see
sanity when they are blinded in superstition. Shame on these people
and anyone who tries to justify this behavior.
Raghu Prabhu (Melbourne)
25 Nov, 2009 07:55 AM
Lack of education is the root of all this cruelty to animals!
Jack (Ingelton)
25 Nov, 2009 06:48 AM
i can’t believe how we allow this type of activity to occur in the
world we so occupy today. We are talking about the welfare of 200,000
animals…200,000!! Hindus are the same class of religion who pray to
the cow but will kill 200,000 other animals…that is discrimination in
its pureset form. This practice needs to be halted!
Arun (Chennai)
25 Nov, 2009 06:47 AM
This is very common and this is only in Hindu tradition. If you take
Id festival where Muslim kills thousands of sheeps, Camel … As long as
there is some thing called “Faith” This cannot be stopped.
Chandru Narayan (USA)
25 Nov, 2009 06:36 AM
If the government wanted to stop this massacre of animals in the name
of God and religion then it needs to help the poor understand that
their problems are not solveable with killing innocent animals. The
Governments of India, Nepal and any other States in this melee should
use some kind of force of law to stop this stupidity, wanton cruelty
and absurdity, there should be punishments that go far beyond the
crime being committed to educate the masses, the poor only understand
pain inflicted to them directly, their lack of any logic makes it
difficult to use kind or firm words with them. The poor breed like
mosquitoes and then blame everyone else for their problems, just like
the Palestenians who blame the Jewish State for all and every of their
problems. Ban the participation in the Gandhimai slaughter with death
penalty to the participants, you will see immediate results.
radha (us)
25 Nov, 2009 06:18 AM
Animal sacrifice is a cruel and horrendous practice , part of a
primitive tribal culture. It has no place in a modern progressive
society. Both Indian and Nepali governments, as well as social leaders
can help avert this bloodletting if they were to broadcast against it
instead of seeking shelter behind the ” respecting the traditional
religious sentiments ” farce. Apart from inflicting unspeakable terror
and pain on innocent animals, such practices reinforce idiotic
superstitions and also serve to desensitizing people , esp children,
who view it as a spectacle. This ritual is a huge tragedy , and I
would request TOI and all other media to launch an awareness campaign
against this atrocity.
utkal (usa)
25 Nov, 2009 04:48 AM
Is killing animal is the problem here or killing it for getting Gods
blessing..BAKRI ID is around the corner….I want Media (anti Hindu) to
write against all the Sacrifice done for allah….All the Cows and Horse
murdered everyday to feed never ending hunger of western
countries….Should you make mockery of them…Think about it….
Jason (Delhi)
25 Nov, 2009 04:00 AM
Considering Humanity and respect for the living souls – i do not
believe that any God or Goddesses will be pleased with your offering
of someone else’s life that you do not have any authority to control.
The animals being inferior and unable to rebel cant do anything but
humans have the ability to think and discriminate what is right and
what is wrong and therefore should consider the fact that what they
are doing is an inhuman act of cruelty. Sacrifice is giving up
something that is dear to you. can you consider sacrificing yourself
i.e. dearest most possesion of yours???
pink rose (nepal)
25 Nov, 2009 02:48 AM
this gadhi mela fetival is culture of nepal , and every five year this
sacrifies happen only and the devotees belive it , it is like a
christianity, muslim and buddism religion too. and it is a part of
hindusim. as far i know,according to freedom of speech and relegion
every human being have their right to perom their ritual right. and
look in india daily how many live stock are killed for consumption for
meat can those prosters can stop for that no. so it is the religion
and i had 3goats to sacrifies and i put a tube well near side of the
gadhi mai temple this year. i belive that kali devi has a very power
so do not estimate wrong. and to know about is there is spritual power
there in gadhi mai area go and see the all heads of the animal you
cannot see the flies at all who sacrifices the animal. for ur proff
kill a chicken and put out soide for a while there will be so many
flies after a while but in that gadhi mai area nothing go there and
watch then u will know.lastly plz go home all the demonstrator and
protesters and have a meat.if those meat are made by animal killed
then stop eating meat because some one killed to consumption.then i
will belive u are really protester otherwise i belive u are dancing
behind the people who is supporting fininancially to ur organization.i
wish all people go to gadhi mai mela from across the world does not
matter what religion they have to sacrifies the male animals and thank
you.
Nagendran (NJ, USA)
25 Nov, 2009 02:45 AM
This is just a proof that Brain dumb morons live in big numbers even
in this 21st century.
Rupa (Raleigh, NC USA)
25 Nov, 2009 02:38 AM
All these debates about animal cruelty are flawed until all the animal
slaughter is stopped for meat eating. How is it civilized to kill an
animal to eat when we have alternaitive food available.
ravindra uppal (Sydney)
25 Nov, 2009 02:32 AM
Those who sacrifice animals or birds or any life in the name of God
deliberately in the hope to please God, are indulging themselves in
greater sins than killing animals and eating their flesh. God does not
want you to sacrifice someone else but want you to sacrifice your evil
residing permanently inside you. “You kill innocent animals knowingly
that this act of yours would please God whereas you can choose to
eliminate just one evil thought from your body enabling this World
becoming a better World to live.” Do not kill these innocent animals
please in the name of God. Hindu religion’s first lesson is non-
violence and not to kill animals and any creature for eating meat.
Meat is strictly forbidden in Hindu culture.
RKA (USA)
25 Nov, 2009 02:24 AM
What a shame! Harmless innocent animals being sacrificed by a bunch of
idiots in the name of god.
Satish (India)
25 Nov, 2009 01:29 AM
How sad for those animals…human barbarism has no limits. These people
have no feelings and are brutal. The world will be a much better place
without them. It is only right that these people suffer in their harsh
conditions forever. One cannot feel pity for those people that don’t
have compassion for other living beings.
amit (seattle)
25 Nov, 2009 12:47 AM
Notorious Hindu fair!!wow what a media we have in India,what about
Bakara eid,why you don’t use notorious word with it?Because you are
scared muslims will burn you to ashes.Indian media is full of morons
yogesh (new york)
25 Nov, 2009 12:05 AM
i havent heard TOI writting anything about sacrifise of animals on
muslims festivals..whats wrong now?
naresh ayer (europe)
25 Nov, 2009 12:04 AM
wat a great hell.. stop stupid belive…
Subhas Warrier (Dubai, UAE)
24 Nov, 2009 11:53 PM
Wake up Indians and the Hindus of our country. Stop such Animal
slaugtering act in the name of god. Which scripture of our deep rooted
science of life conveyed to the world through Vedas & Upanishads has
said about conducting such slaughters. This is against our practices,
our belief and faith in maintaing eco-system in tact as ‘live & let
live’ in every aspect of its words. A country in its yester-years that
went on national campaign to prevent cow slaugter should never
encourage and let such things take place, ever.
Perfect Hindu (Pan world)
24 Nov, 2009 10:39 PM
REF:”Mahabharata- uttar-Bheeshma parva”: “Lord Krisna visits blood-
bathing Bheeshma pitamaha who rests on arrows piercing his body-
Bheeshma asks which sin of his had destined him of so much of pain?
Lord Krisna answers – in your earlier 72nd punar-janm, when u wer a
child, you had pierced body of a locust with babool-thorn: THAT SIN of
yours has caused this much pain you are feeling after 72 janmas now… “
Gurunath Prakash (Hyderabad)
24 Nov, 2009 10:34 PM
Point well taken. Without a doubt anyone would agree with Maneka
Gandhi and Brigitte Bardot. How about Bakr- ID ,which is round the
corner. Every kind of animal except for Pig is sacrificed. Cows,Bulls,
Goats, Camel ect are slaughtered and the roads, lanes and by-lanes of
India are over run with the blood of these animals. It stinks of blood
and rotten meat for weeks on end! The soil is red for weeks on end!
Bovines are made to walk thousands of miles with out food to be
killed. Camels from Rajastan are made to walk in most adverse
conditions – to be killed on empty stomaches and sold into markets of
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra , Tamil Nadu ect. The one in
Nepal is limited to a small, minuscule part of Nepal but on Bakr -ID,
All around the World billions of animals are slaughtered in the most
inhuman way. All the animals killed in most inhuman way have a verse
whispered into their ear that they are liberated from this life!!How
about the hi-tech slaughter houses in Europe, Americas and Australia
which kill anything hopefully except for a human?
Rahul Anand (Shaktinagar,UP)
24 Nov, 2009 10:24 PM
I am myself a vegetarian and supporter of kindness towards animals
but, people who shower their concern for speechless beings like
animals, fail to deliver to the repeated pleas of those who cry their
utter poverty hoarse. Not only do Indians and Nepalis of the region
flock to this fair..they are in the habit of flocking for any
maternity care facility to the only such institution the area viz.
Duncan hospital, that too rum by missionaries. People horrified of
animal sacrifices should take a break from show business and take a
peek into the life of the people living on the Indo-Nepal border.
United by culture and poverty and separated by history and political
divisions, these people don’t need Menaka Gandhi preaching animal
rights, they will not even be able to grasp it since they have more
real problems at hand like failing rains, annual floods, poverty, lack
of education, corruption of the Border police, and the literal
bottleneck which the Indo-Nepal border stands for, slowing down the
pace of their trade and commerce.The traditional sacrifice at the
Gadhi Mai fair reflects the rate of progress the region has made.
Certainly to stop it administrative interference is required but their
are many other areas where the Govt’s attention is needed beforehand.
Disagree (1)
manoj kumar bam (kl)
24 Nov, 2009 10:22 PM
you dont have any right to criticise any religion .if they want to
sacrifice 1 million buffalo let them do that. this has been followed
from our ancestors who the hell are you to criticise if you cannot see
close your eyes,you dont have any right to say what is right and what
is wrong if somebody religion says do let them do dont try to impose
your kind of reliogion you follow your reliogion we will follow our
kind of reliogion
Animal sacrifice in a village in Pauri District
on 12/13/10 • Categorized as Offbeat ( 45 views )
In India, restriction gets violated sometimes at a place of religious
sentiments. This line comes true by an incident happened in a village
recently. Around 135 goats and 31 male buffaloes were sacrificed to a
Goddess, Aradhya Devi in a temple at Bunkhal Village in Pauri
district.
The people of this village said that were sacrificed the animals for
saying thanks and offering some prayers to Goddess. The officials said
that the animal sacrifice was an illegal crime under Prevention of
Cruelty Act. This has been carried out many years under the guidance
of Pauri District Magistrate (DM) Dilip Jawalkar and SP Pushpak Jyothi
in Pauri and Dehradun.
After receiving the complaints from the organizations for animal
lovers and animal care, the senior administrative and police
authorities decided to take an action on mass animal sacrifice at the
Bunkhal temple. The people from the animal lovers and animal care
organizations strictly prohibited the very animal sacrifice event and
noted this practice as “inhuman, brutal, and cruel.”
The people of Uttarakhand were shocked on the complaint against them.
They said that the Ramesh Pokhriya Nishank government had not worried
about the mass animal sacrifice. Instead on giving punishments, the
government gave an excuse that the practice of animal sacrifice is an
old practice carried out for so many years. So, it is not very easy to
stop this practice at a single stroke.
The people in the nearby villages told that they taken the animals to
the Chorikhal village for putting cinnabar on the animal’s forehead.
Then the animals are taken to the Bunkhal village for sacrifice. Pauri
DM Jawalkar and SP Jyothi said that they saved 12 goats and 23
buffaloes from sacrifice and filed a case against the people who are
responsible. They filed a case under section 151 of CRPC and under
Prevention of Cruelty Act.
Mass animal sacrifice in Uttarakhand village
DS Kunwar, TNN, Dec 13, 2010, 01.59pm IST
Comments (94)
Tags:Bunkhal village|Animal sacrifice
DEHRADUN: Law takes a backseat when it comes to religious
sentimentality in India. In a grave violation of law, more than 31
male buffaloes and 135 goats were sacrificed in a temple premises to
appease Goddess Aradhya Devi allegedly by her devotees during a day-
long annual fair at Bunkhal village in Pauri district.
Police sources said although the practice of mass animal sacrifice was
a cognizable offence under Prevention of Cruelty Act, it had been
going on for several years right under the nose of senior Uttarakhand
administrative and police authorities including Pauri District
Magistrate (DM) Dilip Jawalkar and SP Pushpak Jyoti in Dehradun and
Pauri.
Police sources said senior administrative and police authorities
decided to put a check on mass animal sacrifice at the Bunkhal temple
after members from different animal lovers’ organizations and groups
who find the practice “inhuman, brutal and cruel” raised their voices.
The people of Uttarakhand said they were shocked to see that despite
their crusade against this age-old practice of mass animal sacrifice,
the Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank government had not bothered to impose a
blanket ban on this inhuman practice. Instead the government offered
an excuse that “the practice of mass animal sacrifice had been handed
down from centuries ago and was a part of religious rituals and so it
was not possible to check it to by force.”
Residents of nearby villages including Chorikhal in Pauri district,
told TOI that as per this practice, the animals are first taken to
nearby Chorikhal village where vermilion is applied on their
foreheads. Then they are taken to Bunkhal temple for “sacrifice.” They
are slaughtered one by one, with sharp-edged weapons -mini and huge
daggers (Khunkhri and Farsa) -by the villagers while offering their
special prayers to the goddess.
Pauri DM Jawalkar and SP Jyoti said they had taken more than 12 goats
and 23 buffaloes into their custody which were being taken for
sacrifice and lodged FIR against all those responsible for mass animal
sacrifice.
The officials said they had yet to identify and ascertain the exact
number of persons involved in mass animal sacrifice.
“They all will be named in FIR lodged in the police station for breach
of peace under section 151 of CRPC and under prevention of cruelty act
as soon they are identified”, the officers said.
Comments (94)
Recommended (35)
saj (uae)
14 Dec, 2010 03:56 PM
what a waste…..trying to please other God’s……..
Agree (1)Disagree (1)
Guru (Bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 09:43 PM
Public slaughtering is particularly more cruel, because it dulls many
people’s sensitivity to violence and makes people to accept injustice
in the name of god. Children are terrified by seeing public
slaughtering. People who are not terrified, develop a sadistic
satisfaction of witnessing brutal killings. Lots of statistics show
the crime rate on communities located close to slaughterhouses is much
higher. Remember, even humans were sacrificed in the name of Hinduism
and other religions. All religions are open to misinterpretations.
Hindus are open to criticism, that’s why the religion has progressed
more. For that matter, Adhi Shankaracharya would be proud of anyone
who supports ban on mass killings instead of claiming “on par” rights
of evil practices practiced else where.
Agree (3)
Deepak (USA)
13 Dec, 2010 09:14 PM
Jainism and Buddhism emerged thousands of years ago when practices
such as human and animal sacrifices had become rampant in Hinduism.
Hinduism also as a result evolved and these practices became an
aberrance rather than the norm. Muslims doing it for Bakr Id is no
justification for Hindus doing the same. Also animal slaughter in such
inhumane conditions is different from their being killed in an
abbatoir for food. Even an animal deserves a pain free death. What’s
next- Human Sacrifice since it happened in the old days ? I wonder
what the “Sant Samaj” thinks of all this whn they get time from Ram
Mandir
Agree (5)Disagree (1)
Naresh Kadyan (New Delhi, India)
13 Dec, 2010 08:31 PM
Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 punishments and
section 28 should be deleted. Shame shame devotee of Goddess, all
criminal people.
Agree (2)
Ganesh (Goa)
13 Dec, 2010 08:27 PM
Stop and Ban Cow and Buffalo slaughter all over India.
Agree (2)Disagree (2)
Advait (Africa)
13 Dec, 2010 07:39 PM
Why cant we talk about 2G scam instead of diverting attention else
where. I am a veggie i also dont like cruelty but may be this was
there fate. To be slaughtered. Are the women in Delhi not being raped
on daily basis y aren’t we talking about that.
Agree (5)Disagree (2)
ganesh prajapat (jaipur)
13 Dec, 2010 07:31 PM
why do you keep quite on the day of BAKRA-EID……….
Agree (6)Disagree (3)Recommend (1)
Sumer Kumar (toronto) replies to ganesh prajapat
13 Dec, 2010 08:22 PM
Does any muslim interferes in what you do in your relgiios ceremony?
Why this double face.
Agree (1)Disagree (2)Recommend (1)
Jagruti (India) replies to Sumer Kumar
15 Dec, 2010 09:05 PM
Its not about being double face, all we are trying to say is as we are
rasing voice and discussing this topic today after this incidence
which is once in a while, y dont v raise same voice on id which come
year on year n wen n number of goat are been killed in name of GOD
Jags (Tripoli)
13 Dec, 2010 07:31 PM
What will people do with goats, sheep, chickens and pigs if all these
rights activists have their say. These form sizable portion of the
food chain of humans.
Agree (4)
T. Ravi (USA)
13 Dec, 2010 07:20 PM
If killing animals is justified for eating, what’s wrong with doing it
for beliefs? It is killing in both cases nevertheless.
Agree (8)Disagree (3)Recommend (3)
barun (Noida)
13 Dec, 2010 07:16 PM
Y all the fuss . Something which is happening from decaded after
decaded why do you want to stop it now . If so much is your probs all
the veggies . Stop killing ants , stop killing cockroaches . Stop
killing plants . Stop killing rodents . Now what is your probs answer
it . Why dont you stop all these ???? . Animals atleast can shout/
scream these thinsg which mentioned dont even do that . I can
understand if ppl say stop killing tigers and others . Because they
are extinct . But these animals are domesticated for christ sake .
Agree (4)Disagree (3)Recommend (1)
K (london)
13 Dec, 2010 07:15 PM
well, why male buffalos..why not cows or female buffalos..?? why not
tigers and elephants ??? whats is the boundary..??150 animals killed
in a day..!!! what madness.. i understand that in coastal areas there
is a prasad of fish food, and in some temples there is chadhawa of
meat-food,which should be the way.. if you want kill 100 goats eat
them and provide food for 1000 poor people don’t mind at all…..why
buffalos..?? who is going to eat the buffalo..?? just because its
symbolic of mahishasur..?? poor animal.its not really evil you know..
there are skipped steps of logic in this…
Agree (3)Disagree (3)
LovePeace (Lucknow, NY, USA) replies to K
13 Dec, 2010 07:35 PM
Nobody every questions Bakra-Eid!!! So why this double standard??
Agree (4)Disagree (4)
KD (India)
13 Dec, 2010 07:14 PM
If killing animal is cruelty then people all over the world must
become vegitarians…. and if killing animals in the name of God is only
cruelty then the thing is different
Agree (2)
ravindra uppal (Toronto)
13 Dec, 2010 07:14 PM
Enough is enough now. You got to make it unlawful. India is
predominantly a nonviolence state and killing of any type is to be
prohibited.Any lost of life is unlawful.No God would allow sacrificing
of innocents creature.Stop this now.Take action against all these
people.
Agree (2)Disagree (2)
veerendra jain (chennai)
13 Dec, 2010 06:59 PM
live and let live. if we cant give a life to any innocent animals who
has given us right to kill them. if we dont show compassion towards
animals , it will surely lead to more earthquake sunami etc. kill the
animals inside us
Agree (1)Disagree (1)
ajay (bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 06:27 PM
what about bakrid…
Agree (9)Disagree (7)Recommend (4)
Ravi (USA) replies to ajay
13 Dec, 2010 07:16 PM
Ajay Where was Times of India for Bakrid sacrifices ? For Bakrid
(where animals were slaughtered in lakhs (if not in millions) is
reported as a grand and ‘peaceful and grand celebration’. Where was
the law and Animal Rights protectionists and constitution then ? Do
you know how many cows are slaughtered just across the border ?
Agree (4)Disagree (2)
GUEST (Kuwait) replies to ajay
13 Dec, 2010 07:08 PM
very true AJAY!!!! y do these ppl dont say anyting about BAKREID….when
lakhs of goats, sheeps, camel and cows are chopped!!!!!
Agree (4)Disagree (2)Recommend (1)
GM (Great India)
13 Dec, 2010 06:25 PM
TO Anand, Like animals every tree has also life , Why dont you think
about your child while cutting / eating the vegetables everyday.
Agree (9)Disagree (15)Recommend (3)
bcd (kolkata) replies to GM
13 Dec, 2010 07:34 PM
you are great in argument. Role model for Amarya Sen’s Argumentative
society. Basically you can justify anything or debate on anything.
Even our politician justify murder. Bottomlime is animal killing on
whatever form should be reprehensible.
Disagree (1)
dpk (pune) replies to GM
13 Dec, 2010 07:17 PM
I am shocked with your understanding … trees/plants has lives but do
they feel pain, do u classify their head, legs, stomach etc which u
easily classify for each living being be it animal, bird,
reptile,humans or anything else… grow up man. u eat watever u want veg
or non-veg but dont fool urself. Save earth, save humanity by turning
to Veg.
Agree (2)
Anand (ilwado)
13 Dec, 2010 05:53 PM
Killing animals in the name of god, is a crime, whether you are a
hindu or a muslim. To Muslims – Do not fool yourself by saying halaal
is painless, just emagine your child having his throat slit with a
rush of blood. stop fooling Allah. To hindus – Stop the age old stupid
rituals. If you can not stop it stop defending it. Eat and kill
whatever you want for your lust and greed. Do not bring Allah and God
into it. Let them be almighty and not make them part of your crime.
Agree (27)Disagree (13)Recommend (21)
Jagruti (Indaa) replies to Anand
13 Dec, 2010 07:31 PM
very very well said…
Agree (2)Disagree (1)
Deepak (London) replies to Anand
13 Dec, 2010 07:27 PM
I fully agree with Anand, Well said.
Agree (1)
Rahim (Berlin, Germany) replies to Anand
13 Dec, 2010 07:27 PM
Halal is not painless. No one clamied so. There will be pain in any
sort of death. It is the least painful, most convenient, cheapest to
implement and ensures fastest death (if executed properly) that’s all.
When the vein is cut massive blood loss happens and the animal loses
consciousness within 7 seconds. The process also drains bad blood from
the animal’s body making it all the more better for consumption. Read
the researches done by Germans on this please.
Agree (1)Disagree (6)
Mohan (capetown) replies to Anand
13 Dec, 2010 07:18 PM
I agree you talk sense here, these guys still lives in early
centuries.. they eat raw meats? do we? They treat by herbs? do we??
forget your tradiion in these killings one another
Disagree (1)
Brahmin (Australia)
13 Dec, 2010 05:39 PM
In the name of god people mercilessly kill the innocent animals, which
needs to be stopped with immediately. My question is dont the people
get hurt when they eat meat of animals?
Agree (13)Disagree (6)Recommend (3)
Sorabh (Chandigarh)
13 Dec, 2010 05:36 PM
None dared to speak during the recent Bakr – Eid, no newspaper even
carried a story in newspaper. Why so biasedness ? There was 5 km jam
one day prior to Bakr Eid in Lucknow due to the people carrying
cattle,goats on Trucks,Autos,Two – Wheelers….? Why no one raised hue
and cry ? I am pure vegetarian. I am against Non Veg food…but why no
Manekas,Shabana’s,Arundhati’s here the great Generals of our Social
Society…Shame on every one…..!
Agree (21)Disagree (6)Recommend (11)
apaa (pune)
13 Dec, 2010 05:34 PM
Same Thing Happens during Bakari Idd…
Agree (7)Disagree (3)Recommend (1)
lata (india.)
13 Dec, 2010 05:29 PM
I don’t think any god wants this kind of scarifice……even god is
helpless to fight the blind faith people believe..:(( Wondering who
will save these animals????
Agree (7)Recommend (2)
Deepak Ghosh (Faridabad)
13 Dec, 2010 05:26 PM
What a shame ? People are really blind they do not understand what
they are doing. Why do not they get sacrificed their own children in
the temple. The central govt. must immediately put a stop on such
killing of animals. Our own people in W.Bengal smuggle cattles to
Bangladesh and those thousands of cattles mainly cows got killed
during Id festival in Bangladesh. Our own BSF, the border hindus are
doing this. Why don’t they give away their own children to be
sacrificed during ID festivals or in Temples. What is Menaka Gandhi
doing ? Just sitting and watching.
Agree (4)Disagree (1)Recommend (1)
Raj (Bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 05:24 PM
Why no one cries when thousands of Bovine,sheeps and goats,etc are
slughtered during muslim festivities…….
Agree (13)Disagree (1)Recommend (8)
SanthoshKK (Bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 05:11 PM
Menaka Gandhi Where are you ????…. can you please take care of them or
such similar cases…
Agree (5)Disagree (5)Recommend (4)
Kuldeep Kumar (New Delhi)
13 Dec, 2010 05:01 PM
WTF for those who are criticizing these offerings to Hindu goddess.
Everybody in this world knows who kills thousands and lakhs of animals
without any mercy just to satisfy their taste buds in slaughter
houses. Nobody cares and nobody raise their voice against them. I
don’t know why people always raise their voice against Hindus and
Hindu ritual which are much much older and civilized than any other
religion. Whole world knows that Hindu religion is the most merciful
and kind religion in the world.
Agree (8)Disagree (2)Recommend (3)
Inder Punna (Singapore)
13 Dec, 2010 04:56 PM
Do the animal rights activits object to the the sacrifice during BAKRI
-EID? Why is the law different? Hindus have the right to sacrifice
animals. Law is not above GOD.
Agree (16)Disagree (8)Recommend (9)
Raj (Bangalore) replies to Inder Punna
13 Dec, 2010 05:28 PM
ARA know the consequence if they protested during Bucker id…
Agree (3)Recommend (1)
Ankit jain (Kolkata) replies to Inder Punna
13 Dec, 2010 05:23 PM
You are ready to sacrifice innocent animals just because Muslims are
doing those stupid acts. If you r Hindu then u should respect living
beings. I am Hindu. Its ur EGO.
Agree (6)Disagree (3)Recommend (1)
Nauman (mumbai) replies to Inder Punna
13 Dec, 2010 05:23 PM
Inder, Most people objecting to this act will be ur brethren dude.
Muslims object to the way non muslims slaughter the animals but no
objection to slaughtering dude.
Agree (1)Disagree (2)
bhanu (india) replies to Nauman
13 Dec, 2010 05:42 PM
killing is just a killing and can’t be justified. You kill the animal
with love and affaction or do it at once doesn’t make any difference.
Agree (3)Recommend (1)
Girwar (bharat) replies to Inder Punna
13 Dec, 2010 05:14 PM
Wow !! What a superb point dude….I think our democracy try to protech
rights of minority and bound rights of majority.
Agree (6)Recommend (4)
Animal (INDIA)
13 Dec, 2010 04:51 PM
Why to blame ignorant public. The chief minister of Karnataka
sacrificed recently donkeys for the stability of his chair. There are
other leaders also doing animal sacrifices. We want leaders who
sacrifice themselves for the public. In a country where, the rulers
are practising such primitive methods to please the Gods, why to blame
the poor people.
Agree (7)Disagree (2)
Raj (Kolkata)
13 Dec, 2010 04:48 PM
When we say that every minute object in the universe comes from the
almighty.When we say that he is the supreme force and we all belong to
him.Then how come the goddess before whome sacrifices are done becomes
only the mother of the humans who does this henious crime.If we
believe that the god/goddess is the gurdian of every single
plant,animal. and human beings.How can the mother get satisfied with
the blood of it’s own children?
Agree (6)Disagree (2)Recommend (2)
Dev (Australia)
13 Dec, 2010 04:48 PM
People would appreciate, if the guys who are protesting in Kukke
subramanya Of Karnataka oppose this sort of things.But, they have no
guts and they know, if they protest they will be sacrificed in place
of Buffallows.Whatever they are doing in Subramanya is utter
nonsense.They are doing it only for political gains.
Agree (3)Disagree (2)
Sarvesh (India)
13 Dec, 2010 04:40 PM
Ridicoulous, and barbaric…when Hinduism is trying to come out of the
dark era this news shattered all the feel good factor. It is difficult
to comprehend why God is so blood thirsty that he needs animal
sacrifice.
Agree (1)Disagree (2)
ARUN DEO (Delhi)
13 Dec, 2010 04:38 PM
WHETHER YOU SLAUGHTER AN ANIMAL IN A SLAUGHTER HOUSE OR ANYWHERE ELSE
– IT IS ALL THE SAME…SO THE QUESTION OF CRUELTY DOES NOT ARISE. THE
OFFERINGS ARE NOT THROW AWAY – THEY ARE CONSUMED BY THE DEVOTEES…..I
DO NOT THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE MADE AN ISSUE..
Agree (2)
Vijay (Bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 04:37 PM
Why do we take life when we cannot give it
Agree (7)Disagree (3)Recommend (3)
Bhupender (Delhi)
13 Dec, 2010 04:30 PM
Why did not anyone raise voice when lakhs and lakhs of goats are
killed on Bakrid. Please stop this double standard.
Agree (14)Disagree (7)Recommend (10)
punnet (bombay) replies to Bhupender
13 Dec, 2010 04:50 PM
If somebody is wrong , you dont emulate him. Its just that you do the
right and the right is ” no killing of animals”.
Agree (2)Disagree (1)
bhanu (india) replies to punnet
13 Dec, 2010 05:47 PM
If you can’t do anything then why do you cry foul.
Nipin (Blore. )
13 Dec, 2010 04:30 PM
Everyday Milions of Birds (Chicken) are hatched, Goats are
slaughtered, Cow, Pig, and numarious more animals are being killed and
eaten. Why for heavens sake, you people in media think you stand a
higher ground and report news in such arrogant manner to a particular
community? we all know that ultimately the devotees anyway consume the
prasad in most cases or at least give them a respectful funeral.
Agree (3)Recommend (2)
DESIBABU (NEWDELHI)
13 Dec, 2010 04:24 PM
SO WHEN INDIAN MUSLIMS SLAUGHTR MILLIONS OF GOATS COWS ON EID -THATS
OK ! HINDUS NOT OK ? INDIA HAS BECOME PLANET OF FLASE SECULARS WHERE
HINDUS ARE HUNTED ? TOI ON WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ? INDIA OR ANTIHINDU
MOBSTERS ? OK ?
Agree (3)Disagree (2)Recommend (2)
Gurinder Singh (Gods give life,not take it)
13 Dec, 2010 04:23 PM
Its not sacrifice when you kill others, sacrifice is when you give
something of your own to Gods. Animals are others for Humans, if one
is serious about sacrifice then they could offer themselves to the
God’s service. And Gods give life, i am sure they would have no fun in
taking it back. The true sacrifice would be to serve humanity & Gods
would love that!
Agree (5)Recommend (3)
Indian (India)
13 Dec, 2010 04:16 PM
The same kind of thing happenes in one of the temple here in South
India I will not specify the name as it is very secred temple. once
all this was stopped by the government against the law by the year it
was stopped there were lot of road accidents and loss of human life
and that year there was no rain the people did the very same sacrifice
the very next year and everything was back to normal I was not a
strong beliver of these activities but some incedents make it happen
this practice had been make from a very long time mabe there might be
something in this but i would recommend insted sacrificing bigger
animals small birds like chicken could be sacrifiesed for blood.
Agree (6)Disagree (10)Recommend (2)
Alwyn (Dubai) replies to Indian
13 Dec, 2010 04:41 PM
YOU ARE CRAZY, i think just came from Cave, welcome to 21st century
Agree (1)Disagree (1)
GetALife (India)
13 Dec, 2010 04:04 PM
I thought our Gods were vegetarians. Why offer them all this meat?
Agree (18)Disagree (3)Recommend (9)
GPS (Bangalore) replies to GetALife
13 Dec, 2010 05:27 PM
They are Non-Veg. They just dont eat beef. The rest of the meats are
OK
Agree (2)Disagree (4)Recommend (2)
Meghana (Mumbai)
13 Dec, 2010 04:04 PM
Really? TOI reporters are so sensitive of the law? Didn’t ever see any
reports on major mass slaughter of animals during Bakri Id in the
TOI!!!
Agree (4)Disagree (1)Recommend (2)
sunil (spore)
13 Dec, 2010 03:58 PM
By this way all slaughter houses should be shut down and all meat shop
as well… In meat and chicken shop daily 100′s animal and chicken are
culled why not you raise voice for that.
Agree (13)Disagree (9)Recommend (7)
Sunil S. (Madras) replies to sunil
13 Dec, 2010 04:43 PM
one more man from caves, give him a way.
Agree (1)Disagree (7)
bhanu (india) replies to Sunil S.
13 Dec, 2010 05:50 PM
good atleast you identified yourself
Agree (6)Recommend (4)
Sukhoi (India)
13 Dec, 2010 03:55 PM
Friends Indian law gives special status to muslims so if they kill
animals in bakar eid its alright but hidus do it even animal rights
people step in as if they have nothing else to do. when our secrity
forces capture or kill a terrorist himan rights people steps in. But
what a shame, we cant hang the person responsible for terror attack in
our parliament, even if setenced to death from CBI court to supreme
court. What a shame
Agree (2)Disagree (1)Recommend (2)
narayan (riyadh) replies to Sukhoi
13 Dec, 2010 07:05 PM
So, you want to take ‘Afghal Guru’ to that temple and sacrifice him
instead of buffalows and goats????
PRANSHU KAUSHAL (NOIDA.)
13 Dec, 2010 03:23 PM
Killing animals is an impotent practice. It is a severe inhumane act
done by people who kills those who are innocent. I think all those who
are indulged in this brutual slaughter of animals should be put behind
the bars and strict legal action should be taken against them. Animal
slaughter should be banned in India and living beings should be given
priority rather than any Religion. I respect all the religions but at
the same time I condemn the act of doing animal slaughter. I hope
strict action will be taken against those who were involved in this
murder of Animals.
Agree (21)Disagree (10)Recommend (12)
ARUN DEO (delhi) replies to PRANSHU KAUSHAL
13 Dec, 2010 04:51 PM
What would you like to do with all the male animals and birds if you
do not cull them ? would you like to keep the “murgas” at home – you
would get several wakeup calls in the morning…or the “bakras” – try
keeping only two of them at home and feed them…The whole earth would
be full of animals and birds without any place for the humans to live…
Agree (3)Disagree (1)Recommend (1)
Aditya (Delhi) replies to ARUN DEO
14 Dec, 2010 07:54 AM
Dont make this an excuse to love the meat on your plate. There are
more humane and civilised methods to do this like male sterilisation
to control their population.
Stan (Mumbai) replies to PRANSHU KAUSHAL
13 Dec, 2010 04:44 PM
Do you eat vegetables. Plants and Vegetation are living things and
should be treated with the same respect as animals. So if eating and
killing animals is a crime, eating plants and killing them is a crime
as well.
Agree (6)Disagree (7)Recommend (3)
Kiran (US) replies to Stan
13 Dec, 2010 06:44 PM
Seems you did not attend your biology lessons at school. There are
primarily two types of life viz. Animal kingdom and Plant kingdom. The
distinguishing things about plants are: (1)they do not have a nervous
system. (2) they cannot move of their own free will. When you cut
grass, or a branch of a tree or even if you uproot a whole tree or
plant, it does not run to save itself. It does not exhibit signs of
pain (assuming you are right that they do suffer pain). Plants CAN
convert minerals and nutrients in the soil into food that animals can
eat. Animals CANNOT survive on eating soil and water. It is therefore
reasonable to assume that nature intended plants to be eaten by
animals. Besides the type of animals we are talking about here are
mammals, which have not just one, but FIVE senses that of touch,
sight, sound, smell and taste.
Agree (3)Recommend (3)
Anand (Chennai) replies to Stan
13 Dec, 2010 05:16 PM
Please go get your Botany & Anatomy right!
Agree (4)Disagree (1)Recommend (2)
Zia (India) replies to PRANSHU KAUSHAL
13 Dec, 2010 04:01 PM
Any suggestion to accomodate the growing population of animals if
slaughter is banned.but before that Please look at the statistic of
Homeless people in India.
Agree (1)
Balakrishna Hegde Hegde (Bangalore)
13 Dec, 2010 03:20 PM
What a Muslim does is not our business. We can stop this practice.
Marikamba (Durga)temple is famous in town called Sirsi,Karnataka. The
temple was built in 1689. Huge number of animals were slaughtered in
the past. But some time during 1935 to 1940 the practice is completely
stopped. Even today we can see a huge he buffallo teid in the precinct
of temple. We are told small amount of blood is drawn for sacrifice
during fair which is celebrated every alternative year. There was a
social transformation in 1935 which is nurrated in Kamat’s potpourri.
But we dont see any such transformation in Tech city Bangalore where
there are hundreds of animal sacrifice during Annamma festival. Non –
voilance is the base of Hinduism. Let us all try to change the soceity
for good. If it is possible in remote Sirsi why not in Bangalore and
Uttarakhand?
Agree (16)Disagree (7)Recommend (10)
Su30 (India) replies to Balakrishna Hegde Hegde
13 Dec, 2010 04:04 PM
what muslims does is certainly should not be nour business. But if law
treats people differently just becoz one set of people are not
tollerent with any interference in their religious matters than others
set of people who are more tollerent and open, then it is and must be
our business my friend.
Agree (1)Disagree (1)Recommend (1)
truth (dehradun)
13 Dec, 2010 03:05 PM
where is the law when there is sacrifices in eid (bakar eid) or do it
only exist to some communities only
Agree (29)Disagree (35)Recommend (22)
Renjith (DUBAI) replies to truth
13 Dec, 2010 04:56 PM
These are not burried, but used as food. There are animals ment for
consumption and by consuming them their population wont decrease. Even
though Cow can produce maximum one calf in a year, there population is
not reduced by their consumption.
Agree (2)Disagree (6)Recommend (1)
Aditya (Delhi) replies to Renjith
14 Dec, 2010 07:48 AM
No animal is meant for consumption. It is all cruelty. The population
of cow does not decrease because it is bred and reared in the farms
specifically to be sold as meat.
Aditya (Delhi)
13 Dec, 2010 03:03 PM
There are millions of animals slaughtered everyday to meet the
requirements of non vegetarian eaters. Is that any less cruel???
Agree (29)Disagree (37)Recommend (21)
GPS (Bangalore) replies to Aditya
13 Dec, 2010 05:30 PM
That’s population control
Agree (1)Disagree (4)Recommend (1)
Aditya replies to GPS
14 Dec, 2010 07:45 AM
GPS, I pity your ignorance. Animals are actively bred in farms and
poultry to be slaughtered for meals.
Agree (1)
Anand (Chennai)
13 Dec, 2010 03:00 PM
When compared to the number of buffaloes, goats, cows, turkeys,
sheeps, chicken, cows, pigs, rabbits, pigeons, seagulls, deers,
snakes, dogs, crows & monkies that are being slaughtered worldwide for
gratifying the human taste-buds; it is just 31 buffaloes and 135 goats
that are slaughtered for the whole year in this case! Humans are the
wise species to incorporate the laws of jungle in civilized societies.
Agree (25)Disagree (34)Recommend (19)
S.P.Chitnis (Jaipur) replies to Anand
13 Dec, 2010 03:57 PM
So Anand where have you observed mass slaughter in jungles by animals?
Or do you expect a tiger ( whatever little are left) to start feeding
on grass? And how do you deduce greed, lust, slavery and lies as
civility?
Antony raj (TN-INDIA)
13 Dec, 2010 02:51 PM
IF MUSLIMS CAN DO ANIMAL SACRIFICE WHY YOU ARE BLAMING HINDUS .
Agree (18)Disagree (11)Recommend (12)
king Kashmiri (Kashmir) replies to Antony raj
13 Dec, 2010 04:58 PM
Because Muslims don’t worship animals Antony Raj singh.so simple or
you may be drunk that it is hard to for you to understand.
Agree (3)Disagree (5)Recommend (1)
Laurel (US) replies to king Kashmiri
13 Dec, 2010 05:32 PM
They don’t need to worship animals as it is wrong to worship beings of
the same species.
Agree (1)Disagree (2)
dilip (Bangalore) replies to Antony raj
13 Dec, 2010 03:12 PM
Hindu means worship nature . Animals , idol , tree all are nature .
Nature is God’s gift and you need to love all God’s Creations. If you
destroy , you will be destroyed by God. Hindus need Vivekananda and
Gautam Buddha to be reborn again to cleans their religion again.
Agree (17)Disagree (8)Recommend (11)
Inder (Singapore) replies to dilip
13 Dec, 2010 05:57 PM
Do not have your own definition for Hunduism…. Read Mahabharath and
Ramayan, before your comment.
Disagree (2)
NEPAL to hold world’s largest animal sacrifice, half a million to be
slaughtered
Dharamsala Saturday 21 November 2009: Despite protests from Animal
rights groups, Nepal will slaughter half a million animals on Nov 24th
and 25th 2009 to “appease the goddess Gadhimai” during the Gadhimai
festival held once every 5 years at Bariyapur in Bara district of
southern Nepal .
Tibetan Volunteers for Animals (TVA) strongly condemns this mass
sacrifice of innocent animals. TVA does not intend to hurt the
sentiments of the devotees but we believe this is an unnecessary
suffering.
Billed as the world’s largest animal sacrifice fair, the event is
expected to attract thousands of Hindu devotees from across the
country and several Indian states as well.
The Buddha boy wrote to the organizers asking them not to slaughter
the animals but his request was rejected. It is a big Hindu festival
and now the Buddha boy is thinking to go there and try to stop it by
himself. Ram Bahadur Bomjan is a Buddhist teenager and gained
popularity as ‘Buddha Boy’ some years back for meditating in the
forests without food and water for several days.
According to estimates, nearly 500,000 animals including buffaloes,
goats, ducks, roosters and pigeons would be sacrificed at the fair in
the name of religion.
Hollywood actress turned animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot and
animal rights activist & politician Maneka Gandhi have written to
Nepalese government seeking government intervention to stop the
massacre. But the government is not prepared to hurt religious
sentiments by banning the practice.
Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche has requested all the centers and students to
read the Golden Light Sutra and recite the Padmasambhava prayer for
removing obstacles and for quick success, for the sacrifice not to
happen. This needs to be done quickly as the sacrifice is happening on
24th November. You can find the Padmasambhava prayer here:
http://semchen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111&Itemid=82
Despite all the development and progress in the world, our behavior
and attitude towards fellow sentient beings has still remained
primitive. It is high time we should observe our actions and realize
that these mute, innocent sentient beings are more than just piece of
meat or an object of sacrifice rituals. These animals are not just a
subject of compassion, they need help, a voice to speak for them.
Animal Welfare Network Nepal and Anti ANimal Sacrifice Alliance is
coordinating the campaign to stop this and will be present at the
festival. For more information on the campaign against Gadhimai visit
www.gadimai.blogspot.com
Fresh Images from Nepal Click here
Quote this article on your site | Views: 8514
Comments (9)
Written by on 20-12-2010 00:38 – Guest
Jocelyn
derived from the magazines parent publication WWD But the pictures
were always fantastic and Tonchi aims to maintain that fashion boots
while adding a lot more words hopefully of substance to make W a
wellrounded magazine in itself ascot The September articles include
ones we actually want to read such as the piece on women getting
plastic surgery too soon in life that compares Lindsay Lohans lips to
soggy hamburger buns ugg boots ugg suburb crochet boots ugg ashur tall
boots an indepth profile of Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci
and Caroline Webers firstperson essa
http://www.areboots.net/ugg-kids-boots.html
Written by toton on 16-12-2010 07:45 – Guest
Oh My Buddha
Crazy People
Written by king on 06-12-2009 10:07 – Guest
omg
:cry
Written by king on 06-12-2009 10:07 – Guest
omg
:cry
Written by Vasumathi Krishnasami on 25-11-2009 11:07 – Guest
Ms
Animal sacrifice is outmoded, primitive, atavistic, unethical,
inhumane, unbelievably stupid and diabolical. You persist in this most
ghastly and primitive blood sacrifice at your peril, for the ‘karmic’
retribution upon your heads will be heavy, indeed!
Written by palmo on 25-11-2009 03:42 – Guest
use brain
plants and mushrooms are living beings, NOT sentient beings.. i think
u don’t know the difference
Written by Andrey on 24-11-2009 19:10 – Guest
use brain
plants and mushrooms are sentient beings. OM MANI PADME HUM.
Written by dhundup on 24-11-2009 05:03 – Guest
prayers wont help
OM MANI PADME HUM.. this is what all the tibetans will chant hearing
this news while munching meat back home.
Compassion will not help them, only our action will help.
Go veg! Go veg! Go veg!
Written by Katherine F Wheeler on 23-11-2009 19:34 – Guest
sadness
Sadness for these animals. Let’s all have a moment of ‘silence’ in
addition to prayer by not eating meat for these two days, if we still
eat meat. In the US the degree of slaughter and animal torture is kept
hidden. See animated film: www.themeatrix.com
Ritualistic Animal Sacrifice in Ancient India
July 31, 2009
To the common Hindu, the very idea of killing a cow – an animal
considered to be holy in their religious tradition – is capable of
sending a chill down the spine. To regard a cow as a holy animal is a
very deep-rooted belief and an unquestionable convention among the
Indian Hindu. It comes as a surprise, thus, when several noteworthy
scholars begin to claim that cow sacrifice was the norm among most
rituals in Vedic India. This claim was first made in the book History
and Culture of Indian People (Vol. I) published by Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan. The collection has been blessed with essays from noted
philosophers and historians such as Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Dr.
Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Dr. B. L. Apte and others. In the chapter
titled The Vedic Age, while expounding on the issues of marriage and
the role of women in soceity, Dr. Apte writes:
“The guest were entertained with the flesh of cows, killed on the
occassion (Rig. 10.85.13)”
Moreover, in another book, Vedic Index of Names and Subjects by
Macdonell and Keith, the explanation of the same mantra contains
“The marriage ceremony was accompanied by the slaying of oxen, clearly
for food.”
Being a moderately traditional Hindu myself, I opened the Rig Veda to
quell my doubts, and saw
suryaayaa vahatu praagaat savitaa yamavaasrujat |
aghaasu hanyate gaavo arjunyoh paryuhyate ||
(Rig. 10/85/13)
Clearly, we find written in the most sacred book of Hinduism, hanyate
gaavo! Did the sages of ancient India really consume beef? Is this why
the word goghnah a synonym for “guest”? In the famous rituals such as
ashvamedha yagna and gomedha yagna, did they really sacrifice cows and
horses respectively? Were marriage ceremonies accompanied with feasts
of alcohol (soma) and beef?
Some Hindu leaders have tried getting past this issue by claiming that
go in Vedic Sanskrit meant tongue or earth or something else. They
have created many imaginative stories about how such a “true”
interpretation opens the doors of Yogic mysticism to a layman. But
such winding stories do not appeal to the logical mind.
In order to clearly understand the Vedas (and associated literature
like the Upanishads), one must invest adequate time to study Paninian
grammar, Yaaska’s Nirukta, the translations of great Sanskrit scholars
like Durgaacaarya, the dictionary of Vedic Sanskrit Nighantu, and the
Brahmanas. The foreign pundits who have often had questionable
intentions behind their interest in ancient India, and who have relied
solely on the worst translations available of Vedic literature (viz.,
the works of Sayana, Mahidhara and Uvat), are not to be taken
seriously. And the Indian scholars who rely on the works of these
foreign pundits to comment on Vedic literature are wrong. No matter
how famous they are or how knowledgable they are in their respective
fields, when it comes to Vedic Sanskrit, they are categorically and
certainly wrong.
It is, no doubt, a great tragedy, that the corrupted myth of meat-
eating Vedic sages is gaining popularity in a country where the Cow is
worshipped and leather is not permitted within the boundaries of a
temple, where killing a cow has been likened to killing a man and such
murderers have been ostracised by the society. I fail to imagine how
fertile the imagination of these pundits must be! It is ridiculous to
have such deep-rooted traditional values sprouting from a religion
with diametrically opposite ritualistic activities. The very thought
is ridiculous!
The meaning of yagna:
The Vedas and other ancient Sanskrit texts mention ashvamedha yagna
and gomedha yagna. From these words some European Indologists and a
clan of Indian historians have started believing that yagnas were
rituals that comprised of horse (ashva) and cow (go) slaughters. To
the upholders of such insensitive passing remarks, I ask: Hindu texts
also mention pitr-yagna and atithi-yagna. Will these so-called
scholars translate them to mean “ritual of the father” and “ritual of
the guest” where the father and the guests were sacrificed at the
altar respectively?
Nighantu tells us that yagna means “adhvara”. (Nighantu. 3/17)
Yaaska writes:
adhvara iti yagnaanaam |
dhvarati himsaakarmaa tatpratishedha tatpratishedha ||
(Nirukta. 1/8)
The explanation is given as follows:
dhvaratervadha karmanah pumsi samgnaayaam ghah naNpoorva| dhvaraa
himsaa tadabhaavo yata |
(Ashtaadhyaayi 3/4, 118 and Nighantu 1/17)
Allow me to elucidate. The word adhvara comprises of two words –
‘a’ (negation) and ‘dhvara’ = violence or any other malafide intent
(himsaa in Sanskrit). The word yagna, thus, is called ahimsaa or non-
violence by the Vedic sages. It should never nave been translated as
“ritual” by the Indologists. To get more specific examples, I mention
here the following mantra from Yajur-Veda:
ashvam naa himseeh |
(Yajur. 13/42)
Which means, “a horse is not to be harmed”. I hope these proofs
suffice to show that animals sacrifices were not even among the
distant dreams of ancient Indian people. If this does not satisfy the
readers, let us further delve into the issue of “beef-eating Hindus”.
Beef in Vedic Hinduism:
In the Vedic dictionary Nighantu we find a few synonyms of the word
go, which, in modern Sanskrit and several other Indian languages,
means “cow”. The collection reads: aghnyaa, aditi, usraa, usriyaa,
ahee, mahee, jagati, etc. (Nighantu. 2/11)
The word aghnyaa literally means “one who is not to be killed”. The
noted Sanskrit scholar Devaraja Yaajva (circa 1200 A.D.) explains the
word aditi as “nadyati akhandaneeyaa” [ na + a + dita akhandaneeyaa]:
one who should not be taken apart (literally as well as
metaphorically). Even Yajur Veda clearly calls a cow by this name, and
clearly forbids killing of a cow under any circumstances:
gaam maa himseeraditim viraajam ||
(Yajur. 13/43)
The cow is aditi. She is not to be harmed in any manner.
The Shatapatha Braahmana we find “ . . . ghrtam duhaanaam aditim
janaayeti | . . . eshu lokeshwanam maa himsaareeti ||“.
[Trans.: The one who provides ghee is aditi. She is not to be harmed.]
Further, in the Nirukta, we find Yaaska explaining the usage of the
word go as follows: athaapyasyaam taaddhitena tena kasnavasannisamaa
bhavanti| gobhih shreeneeta matsaramiti payasaa matsar somo
mantatestrpti karmanah|
(Nirukta. 2/5)
This explains a certain rule in Sanskrit grammar known as taaddhita,
meaning “like that”. More commonplace examples are words like
mrganayani. Even though the word literally means “eyes like a deer”,
the intended meaning is “eyes like the eyes of a deer”. This word is
used to describe a beautiful woman or girl. No matter how scholarly an
exposition, you wouldn’t believe that poet such as Kalidasa described
his heroine with eyes shaped like a four-legged animal, would you? The
same rule applies to the usage of the word for “cow” in Vedas. The
Sanskrit word go has been used with the taaddhita rule. This is the
reason why Yaaska mentions “gobhih shreeneeta matsaram“. It does not
mean “cook the dairy” or “cook the cow”; it means “cook the dairy
product” (in India, that would be ghee).
Returning to the Rig Veda:
Please recall the sukta we started this article with:
suryaayaa vahatu praagaat savitaa yamavaasrujat |
aghaasu hanyate gaavo arjunyoh paryuhyate ||
(Rig. 10/85/13)
This entire sukta is an explanation of the gravitational forces
between the earth and the sun. And the sun has been declared the
devataa of this sukta. Together with that scientific discourse, as a
poetic alankaara, is added the description of social rites such as
marriage. The word hanyate in the above sukta is what has prompted
many historians to claim that cows were sacrificed. Did they bother to
study Vedic Sanskrit? Probably not. The word hanyate is derived from
the roor verb han, which not only means violence, but also (and more
popularly) “motion” (Nighantu. 2/14).
It is interesting to note that the same group of scholars who have
conveniently forgoteen the latter meaning here, have not hesitated to
re-discover it elsewhere! Anyway, I request the reader to be driven by
common sense, and put the two meaning together . . . this gives birth
to the first colloquial usage of the word which came to mean “to make
something move”. In this sense, the word han has even been used to
mean “motivate (a student) to move (along the path of knowledge)”!
Thus, aghaasu hanyate gaavo means “to make the cows move along”. In
the Vedic ages, cows were economic assetts. And exchange of these
assetts took place in marriages. In astrology, the waning of summer
was called the period of the maghaa nakshatra. The cows were made to
travel during this period. The sukta itself mentions the arjuna
nakshatra (arjunyoh paryuhyate), also called the faalguni nakshatra.
This astrological classification is even today considered to be good
for a Hindu marriage. To strengthen my case, I should mention that
another sukta from Atharva Veda reads exactly like the one presented
here from Rig Veda, with “aghaasu” replaced by “maghaasu” and
“arjunyoh paryuhyate” replaced by “faalgunishu vyuhyate” (Atharva.
14/13). This sukta, while talking of marriage, simply mentions the
time of the marriage and the fact that cows were given as gift to the
newly married couple, and that these cows were made to travel to the
couple’s abode during the waning of the summer months. This view is
reinforced by the translation of Vedas by the noted Vedic scholar Sri
Khemkaran Das Trivedi.
Guests beefed up?
Getting “guests being treated to beef” from the word “goghnah” is
perhaps the most obvious as well as the most stupid case of
mistranslation I have ever seen. The very word “aghna” means “the one
who cannot be killed or hurt”. The cow has been called “aghnya” in
several places in the Vedas. Rig 10/87/16, Yajur 8/83, Atharva 9/4/17
to name a few.
This problem arises from the phrase “goghnohatithih“. It is a mere
comparative statemtent meant to convey that one should be willing to
give away even the holiest of assetts, a cow, to a guest, since a
guest must be treated as God. If a cow is killed due to a guest, the
guest becomes what is called “nimitta kaaranam” (instumental cause) in
Hindu philosophy. Certainly, a religion is not likely to teach that
God is the instrumental cause behind the demolition of something
holy!!
Additionally,
(1) antakaaya goghaatam [Trans. Death sentence for the one who kills
the cow.]
(Rig. 30/18)
(2) aare te godanamuta purushagnam [Trans. Leave! O murderers of cows
and murderers of men.]
(Rig. 1/114/10)
I do not adhere to such punishments in today’s world. But I hope it is
clear that a text that proscribes death sentence for killing a cow,
cannot possibly describe learned men sacrificing them in rituals.
Epilogue
It is an unpardonable offense that a certain group of historians have
been committing by their not entirely unintentional corruption of
India’s history and her heritage. How did they infer “cow slaughter”
from phrases like the one they quote? If they had so much as casually
browsed through the Vedic dictionary Nighantu, they would have noticed
the appearance of the verb “han” under the section of motion-specific
verbs: hanati, hanti, hantaat. (Nighantu. 2/14) Even a rudimentary
knowledge of Sanskrit grammar is enough to understand “goghna” is to
be broken up as “gaam hanti“. Is it not extremely clear that these
historians and Indologists were studying a civilization without
studying its language? Will these people have the audacity to study
European history without having studied a credible translation of the
Latin texts (if not the original texts in Latin)? Will they proceed to
comment on Jewish history with no knowledge of Hebrew?
I have presented the results of my research on this topic. It is up to
you whom to trust. A bunch of European scholars on the payroll of
colonial expansionists, or the greatest scholars of Sanskrit like
Panini and Yaaska? The contemporary historians who follow Max Muller’s
interpretation of Sanskrit, or those who invest several years into the
study of Sanskrit under the guidance of noteworthy scholars here in
India?
If you choose to follow the former, my only request is this: please
translate the word “gay” in all 18th century English poetry as
“homosexual” and read the poems. You will then, hopefully, understand
the pain I am going through.
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Entry filed under: hinduism, history, india, nationalism, religion,
society. Tags: Rig Veda, rituals, Vedas.
The India outside India – I I, Motherland
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25 Comments Add your own
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1. tao4all | August 3, 2009 at 10:05 am
looks like they are still busy doing this (and more) my friend:
http://bodhati.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/hindu-priest-sacrifice-young-child/
o
2. Ritwik Banerjee | August 3, 2009 at 11:17 am
You probably missed out on the title of my post: “ancient India”. I
think the news item pertains to an event not quite ancient. Moreover,
the news also mentions a “witch doctor”, of course, calling him a
“Hindu witch doctor”. What makes you think that any inhabitant of
India who is not a Muslim or a Christian or a Buddhist or a Sikh or a
Jain must be a Hindu?
But most importantly, every society has anti-social elements. They are
not upheld as prime examples of such a society. If you find a post
titled “Brotherhood in Christianity”, will you post a comment with a
link to a murder or a rape of an ordinary citizen? Think with your
mind, not with whatever it is that you are using as its substitute.
*
3. tao4all | August 3, 2009 at 1:55 pm
That was a very big response for a small message. Sure you are
thinking and not just repeating?
You know just as well as me, that in the least educated regions of
india (as well as in africa) – there are elements that have survived
since the bronze age.
I have no problem with hinduism, but I do have a problem with
fundamentalists that are incapable of looking at the big picture.
And you probably missed out the “helping hand here”. You wrote about
animal sacrifices in ancient india — the next logical step would be to
look into human sacrifies.
But hey, keep up the compassionate work..
o
4. Ritwik Banerjee | August 3, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Actually I wrote about the lack of animal sacrifices in India. But
since you haven’t even read this post, let’s not go into that.
My was big because there were too many mistakes in that small comment
of yours. When a child makes ten mistakes while it’s learning to walk,
an adult tries to correct all of them.
You have succeeded in promoting your post, however. A pat on your back
for that.
*
5. scorpria | August 5, 2009 at 8:18 am
Awesome article! Loved it.
It is absolutely true that people reach their own conclusions of these
Vedic texts with their minimal knowledge of r a few Sanskrit words or
even of an on-the-surface knowledge of this country’s literature and
culture!
Well done!
o
6. Ritwik Banerjee | August 5, 2009 at 10:57 am
It is always good to see you here. :)
I have begun delving into Vedic Sanskrit on my own, and I already find
myself facing a vast ocean of undiscovered knowledge. Some may call
this “fundamentalist” . . . but since those comments come from people
who only have a few prejudices to guard, I don’t take them seriously.
I even had a person who didn’t know a single syllable of Sanskrit
saying “you are lost in symbols”.
It motivates me a great deal to see encouraging comments from readers
such as yourself. Thank you.
*
7. Manish Chakravarty | August 18, 2009 at 3:47 am
Chal tera blog bhi mil gaya. I like your writings.. added to my
GReader now :)
My pathetic attempts at writing are at: http://manishchaks.blogspot.com/
while my work related blog continues to be http://manish-chaks.livejournal.com/
*
8. tinarathore | August 19, 2009 at 8:38 pm
quite a scholarly article. simply amazed at your understanding and
appreciation of the vedas. despite being a practising hindu i had
never delved into these issues before. in fact we need more people
like you who can bring a clear understanding of our religious text, it
is a pain to see words misinterpreted for one’s own needs. keep up the
good work.
o
9. Ritwik Banerjee | August 22, 2009 at 4:17 am
That meant a lot to me, Tina. To be honest, the erudition does not
spring forth from my own understanding of Sanskrit. I have merely put
together several arguments from several books and papers from written
by noted Sanskrit scholars. These are real scholars, real people . . .
with real knowledge in this subject. Unlike most Indologists who have
PhDs from Harvard, these are people who have sat in small towns all
over India and produced brilliant works in the areas of Indian
history, Sanskrit studies and religion-studies. They have shunned the
tinsel world of marketing, and hence, it is difficult to find their
works. I have only created a collage of some of their works, and put
up a few posts on this blog. The real credit for these posts go to
people like Mahamahopadhyaya Gopinath Kaviraj, Sivaramakinkar
Jogatrayananda, Sri Shailendranarayan Ghoshal Shastri and Jogendranath
Bagchi. The well known philosopher J N Mohanty, at one point of time,
was a student of Jogendranath Bagchi.
The Internet will have few, if any, of their works. But if you manage
to find any book authored or edited by these people, buy them without
thinking twice. These are priceless resources.
*
10. Shreevatsa | August 21, 2009 at 3:14 pm
This is excellent! I had no idea of your interests when I knew
you. ;-) How have you been learning?
It is a terrible state of affairs that there are people who consider
even learning Sanskrit to be “fundamentalist”; the less said about
them the better. (I don’t know how the myth of Sanskrit as a “Brahmin
language” arose in the first place.) BTW, if you need to transliterate
into Devanagari (etc.), I’ve written a script that might help.
It should perhaps not be too surprising to see these historians making
mistakes that even students can find fault with.
Not to cause you much distress, but have you heard of the state of
(parts of) “Hindu studies” in American universities? A place to start
is Rajiv Malhotra’s essay RISA Lila – 1: Wendy’s Child Syndrome.
o
11. Ritwik Banerjee | August 22, 2009 at 4:26 am
How have I been learning? Well, Shreevatsa, I think my to Tina’s
comment above will give you the answer. One major problem lies in
overcoming the blindly-put labels and stigmas that our education has
thwarted us with. Unlike you and me, very few educated Indians will
even think of questioning the idea of Sanskrit being a Brahmin
language. Ignorance is the only reason such superstisions thrive.
Sanskrit literature is full of instances where Sudras have taught
higher casts (eg, Vidur teaching Yudhishtira in Mahabharata) and women
have been great scholars (eg, Apala authoring a sukta in Rig Veda).
Most Indians are ignorant of all these things because a secular
education denies them access to such anecdotes. The same education,
however, does not stop from calumniating other anecdotes where it fits
their agenda.
I had not heard of Wendy Doniger (thank my stars!). I would not bother
about her ….. she has made a career out of marketing her ideas to a
bunch of ignoramuses. Just like you say, “the less said about them the
better”.
*
12. ~A Banerjee~ | February 18, 2010 at 10:34 am
Brilliant! Never had time to read it before. Keep it up, I am blessed.
*
13. JanVEDA | June 10, 2010 at 11:48 am
Pretty good. Just a little correction:
> (1) antakaaya goghaatam [Trans. Death sentence for the one who kills the cow.]
(Rig. 30/18)
The ref. is incomplete and I haven’t found this passage in RV
>(2) aare te godanamuta purushagnam [Trans. Leave! O murderers of cows and murderers of men.]
(Rig. 1/114/10)
Here both sacred-texts.com (Devanagari) and Briggs (transliterated)
editions have ‘goghnam’ instead of ‘godanamuta’.
Hari bol
*
14. S. Misra | July 1, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Thank you for the article and clarifying things so well.
I am a Bengali (just like I think you are) and have found to my dismay
that Bengali youths are the first take up beef-eating once they come
to western countries. Now I don’t think they are practising Hindus at
all or that they care anything about Dharma.
But the worst part is that they try to justify their acts by
perpetrating the lies that there used to cows and horse sacrifices
even in Vedic times. This is what anguishes me the most. Why can’t
they just stick to their ways of atheistic/ communist life and leave
our Dharma out of it?!
o
15. Ritwik Banerjee | July 1, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I share your despise and your wonder. The answer I have settled upon
is this: look at any average Indian, and in particular Bengali, youth,
and you will see that we are a weak nation consisting of weak hearts
and minds. It is easier to blame your predecessors than to blame
yourself for your faults. Just like most disturbed teenagers blame
their parents for any wrong they do, or just like a criminal blames
the society for turning her/him into what s/he became, an average
Indian blames the Indian tradition for all our failures today. That’s
the first reason for the justification that you point out. This act of
blaming our tradition had been fueled by almost all Indologists from
the last century, and several Indian historians have been upholding
their legacy with great effort and perhaps greater malice.
Also, you might have noticed that not respecting a tradition allows an
individual to indulge in anything they desire. But few possess the
courage to admit it, and this cowardice is the second reason behind
their justification. They will indulge in everything, and they will
repeat “this is what my tradition taught me” upon any confrontation.
By the way, it is interesting to note that Hinduism, by definition, is
not an organized religion. It is merely the label attached to people
from the sub-continent “hapta-hindu” (the Zend language verion of
“sapta sindhu”). And atheism is one of the main schools of philosophy
in Hinduism, being known as ‘caarvaak darshan’ in Sanskrit.
*
16. Sagar | August 1, 2010 at 7:01 am
Its encouraging to see you fight against these misinterpretations
coming in from “reputed” Indologists and Historians – who have tried
to denigrate traditions in every possible manner!
Good luck!
*
17. raghavendra | August 4, 2010 at 7:27 pm
i’ve always believed that the western indologists esp of max mueller
type who have worked during colonial days have never understood
sanskrit as it should be and propagated false versions.
but the problem is even the current historians of free india also
follow and revere them and stubbornly cling to such notions
they even go on to call people trying to explain the real thing as
“fundametalists”
i hope people finally get to know the truth and efforts such as this
will help in a long way
good luck
o
18. Ritwik Banerjee | November 5, 2010 at 3:53 am
As far as I have observed, most historians cling on to a belief
system. They are not scientists, but people who protect the faith that
provides the foundation of their career. Ignore them, that’s the only
way to gradually uncover the truth.
*
19. jaypee mahanta | October 18, 2010 at 8:16 am
So many discussions are being made on animal sacrifice. Is there any
way to stop animal sacrifice in our country. We in the name of so
called tradition, killing innocent domestic animals only. In my view
killing an animal to eat, to protect ourselves is an other matter, but
in the name of religion it is no good. We all are becoming ASURAS by
killing those innocent animals. In earlier days killing of animals
were done by asuras mainly. In my opinion animal sacrifice in the name
of religion and tradition in public places and anywhere should be
banned. We can not equate tradition as religion. I am not a scholar
nor a known person of vedas, but I know one thing that the concept of
animal sacrifice in the name of religion and so called tradition is of
no good. It is fastly becoming to be a curse to the Hindu as a whole.
So I want you to make your views on it- are we not indulging our youth
to be modern day asuras by such kind of meaningless social customs.
(Your answer to S Misra)
o
20. Ritwik Banerjee | November 5, 2010 at 3:55 am
I agree with you. Taking a life, whether in the name of religion or
otherwise, is certainly akin to the actions of an asura. I am
especially horrified when such acts take place in the name of religion
because then, not only are you committing a crime, but you are doing
so while denigrating something worthy of immense respect.
*
21. dr prakash | November 5, 2010 at 3:33 am
please tell me in details about animal sacrifice practices in vedic
period—i am making a movie. how they were likked , which animals were
killed–who actually butchers them —what they do after killing? etc etc
thanks
o
22. Ritwik Banerjee | November 5, 2010 at 3:51 am
Dr Prakash, I don’t think you read a single word on this page. Go
ahead and make your movie, for my post is an answer to exactly what
you asked.
*
23. Navin | November 17, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Hi Ritwik,
Excellent article. I have to accept that I was completely taken in by
these so called experts on these things. I read a book called
” Life and Times in the Ramayana period” . There they mentioned that
bharat’s army was given an option of beef when he went to meet Lord
Rama while in Vanvas. I considered that as the authoritative word, as
that book was written in the late 19th century and thus I assumed
relatively free from the influences of the so called western experts.
Now it seems that the only authoritative method of understanding vedic
texts is ones own knowledge of the
Sanskrit language.
*
24. anindya | November 26, 2010 at 8:30 pm
your response is tooooo long. I am almost lost. Would you care to
explain if there is a Sanskrit text for this in Rigveda.?
“The guest were entertained with the flesh of cows, killed on the
occassion (Rig. 10.85.13)”
Can you put up the sanskrit version of the text under Rig. 10.85.13?
if yes, then we can judge if it a gross mistranslation of the text or
not
o
25. anindya | November 26, 2010 at 8:34 pm
oh yeah, I found it
Andhra Pradesh: A call to end animal sacrifice
October 27, 2007, 2:46AM MT
By Sharon St. Joan
During temple festivals
During temple festivals
On Sunday, October 21, 2007, the Hindu Festival of Dussehra, Dashain.
or Vijayyadashami (or numerous other names) was celebrated in Nepal
and India, in certain locations, with animal sacrifices.
In Nepal, this is a ten or fifteen-day festival, marking the victory
of the Goddess Durga over demons. Durga is credited with helping Rama
achieve his victory over the ten-headed Ravanna, King of the demons.
On the night of the eighth day of the festival many thousands of
animals are sacrificed, sometimes with great cruelty.
(Just in case any of us in the West feel tempted to look down at
“other” countries and cultures where animal sacrifice is practiced, we
may wish to remind ourselves that animal sacrifice is alive and well
in the West too–where untold millions of animals are sacrificed each
year in slaughterhouses and laboratories.)
The sacrificing of animals in some of the temples in India and in
Nepal is, nonetheless, a horrible event. The practice of animal
sacrifice is diametrically opposed to the laws and age-old culture of
India and to the three great spiritual traditions of India: Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism.
Pradeep Nath wrote the letter below, about the practice of animal
sacrifice in India, to the Asian Animal Protection Network listserve.
Fighting to stop a disgraceful practice
By Pradeep Nath, President of Visakha-SPCA
My dear friends,
I must record that the animal sacrifices in India are not far off that
which is now happening in Nepal or even higher incidents here in
Andhra Pradesh than anywhere else.
We just rescued one puppy from being sacrificed in the Kali temple. We
were challenged on the matter by a senior lawyer who questioned our
claim and the rescue of the puppy, saying that such sacrifice was a
practice and a precedent and part of culture. She had it in the media
campaign. However, we strongly refuted her claim and had the temple
totally stop this gruesome incident.
But again there are many large scale animal sacrifices everywhere in
India with the pretext of every kind of religious ceremony. It extends
to snakes and other kind of wild animals.
The worst of this is that even in our part of the country which has
among the best animal laws and rules, animal sacrifices are still
happening throughout the year. During October or November it is due to
Dusserra and Kali festival. During the months of January to April it
is due to harvest season. And then there are many different kinds of
“jataras” throughout the year. The list is endless.
The way the sacrifices are carried out is extreme sadism. [examples
omitted…Ed.]
Andhra Pradesh is the largest perpetrator of these crimes, but they
occur all over India and more in the rural area. We have been trying
all forms from education to lobbying and now legal means. We aim to
stop some major events. One of them is at Durajpally, Warangal where
the “priest” has to bite the throat of a young goat with one bite.
It is of course very dangerous as everybody is aware of our aims; this
makes it very difficult for us to bring a change very soon. Peela
Ramakrishna, the renowned animal sacrifice crusader for more than 40
years, had a very close call when when a police patrol came to save
him as he was being dragged by his hair to be crucified.
What I am trying to say is that India is a very close neighbor to
Nepal and our influence is there. India is setting an example.
Therefore, our campaign has to start from our home. Our report is
below and we will post this and photos to our web site shortly.
Best,
Pradeep
Animal Sacrifices for Religious Purposes:
By Pradeep Kumar Nath, Visakha SPCA
We consider the Ayoodha pooja on the occasion of Dussera every year
(falling in mid-October in 2007) as the Mother of all sacrifices when
millions of animals are sacrificed in the name of religion.
We fail to understand where is the necessity that animals should be
judged as to be sacrificed. To our knowledge it is not written in the
religion, therefore morally, ethically and religiously, this is wrong.
Over the years we have been trying to persuade the authorities and
devotees to stop such gruesome activities, and we continue to do so
this year. Probably this issue could also be taken to the court for
legal justice, as a violation of the Andhra Pradesh Birds and Animals
Sacrifice Act.
It is indeed a very difficult and sensitive issue as we have realized
during our campaigns to stop the cobra from being tortured to death on
the occasion of Nagalachavathi.
This is nothing new to the authorities, but the most unfortunate fact
is that, being a sensitive religious issue, there is much political
association that makes it all the more risky to save the animals. It
is not at all a happy situation for any one with a little bit of heart
to observe that situation from transportation to the slaughtering. One
can witness the entire city and probably entire state flooded and
painted and smeared with the blood of the animals. The roads, street
corners, public places and important areas also colored with “red” as
lakhs of animals are sacrificed.
So many sheep are being slaughtered for the “festival” in public and
in front of children, and out of ten streets it was happening in seven
of them! The slaughtering of pigs is especially cruel as there is no
method of stunning, but simply hitting and beating to death. In some
places the people did not allow us to take photos and videos.
We will appeal in an update to be posted through our website to stop
this madness with an awareness education campaign. We plan to appeal
to the High Court.
For more information on Asian animal issues, please use the search
feature on the AAPN website: http://www.aapn.org/ or search the list
archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aapn
Please feel free to send any relevant news or comments to the list at
aa...@yahoogroups.com
Yahoo! Groups Links
What you can do
You can visit the website of Visakha SPCA at
http://www.visakhaspca.org
Top Photo: © Photographer: Ragu Rmc | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Second Photo: ©Anthony Gaudio / Agency: Dreamstime.com
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Comments
Posted October 27, 2007, 6:48PM by eileenwj
Dear Friends:
Please read our two new updates regarding this issue:
www.vspca.com or www.visakhaspca.org
scroll down to “ongoing issues” and click on
Illegal animal transport (this link contains fantastic photos of
buffaloes who were all saved) and
Illegal animal sacrifice
kind regards, Eileen Weintraub
VSPCA Representative/Global Outreach
Posted October 28, 2007, 3:31PM by sharonstjoan
The links that Eileen is giving below are:
http://www.vspca.com
http://www.visakhaspca.org
Illegal animal sacrifice in India
We consider the Ayoodha pooja on the occasion of Dussera ever year
(falling in mid-October in 2007) as the Mother of all sacrifices, when
millions of animals are sacrificed in the name of religion.
We fail to understand why these animals are sacrificed. To our
knowledge it is not written in the religion, therefore morally,
ethically and religiously, this is wrong.
Over the years we have been trying to pursue the authorities and
devotees to stop such gruesome activities and we continue to do so
this year. Probably this issue could also be taken to the court for
legal justice, which is the violation of Andhra Pradesh Birds and
Animals Sacrifice Act.
We just rescued one puppy from being sacrificed in the Kali temple. A
senior lawyer questioned our interference and our claims, saying in a
media campaign that this sacrifice had precedent and is part of the
culture. Nonetheless we strongly refuted her claims and had the temple
stop this gruesome sacrifice.
But there are many large-scale animal sacrifices everywhere in India
using various religious ceremonies as a pretext. These sacrifices
extend to snakes and other kind of wild animals.
The worst of this is that our part of the country has the best of
animal protection, yet the animal sacrifices are still happening
throughout the year. During October and November it is due to the
Dussera and Kali festivals. January to April it is due to harvest
season. And then there are many different kinds of “jataras”
throughout the year. The list is endless.
Bound piglet
These sacrifices are extreme sadism. To illustrate just one: a piglet,
upside-down, is impaled on a spear fixed to the ground and slowly
lowered down the spear. The higher the pitch of the animal screams the
better they say it is for their village and harvest.
There is one temple that has six-foot high walls. Animals are
sacrificed until the level of blood reaches the top of these walls.
The Andhra Pradesh province is the largest perpetrator of these crimes
but they happen all over India, especially in the rural areas. We have
been trying many tactics, from education to lobbying and now legal
means. We aim to stop some major events – one of them at Durajpally,
Warangal where the “priest” has to kill a young goat with one bite to
the throat.
It is of course very dangerous as everybody is aware of our aims; this
makes it very difficult to bring a change. Peela Ramakrishna – a
renowned crusader against animal sacrifice for more than 40 years –
had a very close call when he was dragged off by his hair and taken to
be crucified – thankfully the police managed to save him.
It is indeed a very difficult and sensitive issue as we have realized
during our campaigns to stop the cobra from being tortured to death on
the occasion of Nagalachavathi.
Blood in the streets
This is nothing new to the authorities, but the most unfortunate fact
is that, being a sensitive religious issue, there are politics which
make it all the more risky to try and save the animals. It is not at
all a happy situation for anyone with a little bit of heart to observe
the plight of these animals, from transportation to slaughtering. One
can witness the entire city – and probably entire state – flooded and
painted and smeared with the blood of the animals. The roads, street
corners, public places and important areas are also colored with “red”
as lakhs of animals are sacrificed.
Many, many sheep are being slaughtered for the “festival” in public
and in front of children, and out of 10 streets surveyed it was
happening on 7 of them! The slaughtering of pigs is especially cruel
as there is no method of stunning but simply hitting and beating to
death. In some places people prevented us from taking photos and
video.
We appeal through our website to stop this madness and also with an
awareness education campaign. We plan to appeal to the High Court as
well.
Photos below of animals being transported and slaughtered for
sacrifice.
26-15-200, Main Road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, 530-001
Tel: 91-891-3296217 (office) 2001046 (shelter), Email: info [at]
vspca.org
Animal sacrifice in India
KENDRAPADA: The “holy altar” of Panchubaraha temple at Satabhaya
village in Kendrapada’s Rajnagar block turned into a virtual pool of
blood as around 250 animals were sacrificed on the occasion of Chatya
Purnima on Monday.
Hundreds of devotees came from nearby villages to watch the “sacred
spectacle” of “slaughter”, a custom being observed here for years.
The animals, which included goats, lambs and a buffalo, were lined up
near the sacrificial pole before the mighty stroke of Babaji Dalei’s
sword did it all, one after another. But the man was unperturbed.
“It’s a divine duty which was passed on to me after my father died 20
years ago,” he said.
“It’s been a family tradition for generations. In the past, devotees
would offer buffaloes. But now, not many can afford the big animal and
settle for goats and lambs,” said Dalei.
Cries of the dying animals drowned in the din of the thronging
believers. Some scrambled to touch the flowing blood of the freshly-
sacrificed and smear their forehead with it. It’s an act, which they
believe, will bring good luck. And by the time, the “sacrifice” was
over, it was time to trudge back home, carrying a carcass or two on a
bamboo pole.
The Times of India writer litters the piece with scare quotes, but I
couldn’t help wondering how this was significantly different from the
way animals are slaughtered in markets all across the world every hour
of every day:
Despite protests by animal lovers and social activists, Dhani Sauti, a
priest at the temple, was unmoved. “It’s an old tradition. From time
immemorial, devotees have been sacrificing animals in the temple on
Chatya Purnima and Saptami during Dussehra. No one has the right to
meddle with people’s faith,” he said.
“Why doesn’t the administration take steps when hundreds of goats,
chickens and other animals are butchered in public places day in and
day out?”
The whole affair seems pretty distasteful to me, but no one is forcing
me to watch or participate. It’s not my idea of religion, but it’s
somebody’s. And there was a time when the Temple in Jerusalem was the
scene of very similar activities.
April 02, 2007 at 07:25 PM | Permalink
Comments
Diana
I might suggest it’s a way of honouring the stock that are sacrificed
to feed the families. It’s not unlike our own abhorrance to the
cracking of the neck of a chicken to stuff in the crockpot.
In the end … we are satisfied.
Posted by: Diana | April 02, 2007 at 08:09 PM
gail
Exactly. It makes the activity sacred.
Posted by: gail | April 02, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Diana
P.S. F… that …. I just made vegetarians de rigeur!
Posted by: Diana | April 02, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Diana
Mmmmmmmmmm! Meat!!!!
Posted by: Diana | April 02, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Multiple Miggs
Meanwhile, back in the good ole US of A;
Cries of the dying animals drowned in the din of the pneumatic bolt
guns and band saws. Some scrambled to drain the flowing blood of the
freshly-sacrificed, others remove the hide, hooves and head ,still
others slice the still warm carcass into the most select cuts and wrap
them in styrofoam and plastic wrap. It’s an act, which they believe,
will bring good luck and a high price at the Safeways, Ralphs and QFCs
from coast to coast. And by the time, the “sacrifice” was over, it was
time to trudge back home, carrying a pound or two of choice hamburger
or maybe a chuck roast to the hungry family…
Posted by: Multiple Miggs | April 03, 2007 at 09:38 AM
gail
Nice one Jake.
Posted by: gail | April 03, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Animal Sacrifice
Blood on our hands
Animal sacrifice is cruel, primitive and brutalising. It’s time to end
it.
The Tamil Nadu Animal and Bird Sacrifices Prohibition Act of 1950
clearly prohibits sacrifice i1t temples, as do similar laws in many
other states. The State Government wants to enforce the prohibition –
and rightly so. The response has been shocking. One section of the
media has opposed the government directive because they oppose Chief
Minister Jayalalithaa. The opportunistic communists have come out in
support of animal sacrifice – whatever happened to Marxist rationalism
and atheism? Someone else has flied a PIL. A former minister, also a
well-known lawyer, has objected. Do we really want to go back to our
primitive past?
Blood sacrifice was common to all ancient cultures and religions.
Ancient Hindus and Jews did it; Muslims continue to do it (during Id).
There are scenes of human and animal sacrifice on Harappan seals. The
first to speak out against bloody sacrifices were the rishis of the
Upanishads. The chief message of the Buddha and Mahavira was to stop
the killing of innocent animals. In time, the sacrifice of people and
animals came to be regarded as primitive and cruel. Interestingly,
scenes of animal sacrifice are rare in classical temple sculpture or
painting.
Till the 20th century, human beings –especially the unwanted girl
child -were regularly sacrificed in India. Education resulted in a
public outcry against the practice and the government responded by
banning human sacrifice, although we still hear of occasional lapses.
But mere banning is never sufficient, and any change in attitude and
action owes much to individuals such as the late Krishna Iyer in Tamil
Nadu and Peela Ramakrishna in Andhra Pradesh. The former went around
persuading people to “break” a pumpkin instead of killing an animal or
bird. The latter took the police to the remotest villages to stop
sacrifices. Such was the commitment of these men.
Animal sacrifice is particularly brutal. Buffaloes, goat and roosters
are queued up as in a slaughterhouse, crying as they watch the others
die and await their turn. Blood flows everywhere. Sometimes the
worshippers anoint themselves with it; most times, they drink it even
as it flows out. After the sacrifice, the priest may garland himself
with the entrails. After beheading the buffalo, the chopped-off legs
may be placed in its mouth, the fat spread over its eyes. The worst
form of sacrifice is live impalement. It is altogether too gory. Is
this what the Gods want?
Blood sacrifice was regarded as magic, a tool to propitiate or please
a god, to fulfill a vow and as a sacrament. The animal (and, formerly,
person) could be a scapegoat for human sins or inexplicable natural
phenomena, or a vehicle to carry away the collected demons or ills of
an entire community. It seems very unfair that a little goat or a
peaceful buffalo should be made responsible for events beyond their
comprehension or control. Ancient peoples performed sacrifices to
(control negative forces, particularly disease, in the belief that any
blood would satisfy the bloodthirsty spirit. The animal was sacrificed
to “save” a human life. Today, medicine performs tile task more
efficiently.
Animal sacrifices continue in villages all over India. The beginning
of the planting season and Navaratri are particularly bad periods,
when large numbers of animals, particularly buffaloes, are killed to
propitiate local goddesses and thus ensure fertility. In the Himalayan
states and the East, animals are sold by weight to be sacrificed to
Devi during Navaratri, to re-enact killing of the buffalo-demon
Mahisha. The confrontation between the Goddess and the buffalo goes
back to a totemic period when the worshippers of the former defeated
the worshippers of the latter. Unfortunately the memory of that
confrontation lives on in the brutality of buffalo sacrifice.
There is a distinct gender bias in sacrifice. The male god – generally
an aspect of Shiva or Vishnu – is regarded as benign and peaceful, an
austere yogi or a benevolent provider. The female -a form of Shakti –
is blood-thirsty; violent and cruel. She may be Kali, with sharp,
protruding canine teeth, or Mari, the smallpox goddess, or any one
else. Every village in South and Eastern India, has bloodthirsty
village goddesses who reinforce the myth of the wicked witch, always a
woman. The former is controlled by blood, the latter by society. Women
are potentially evil, according to this belief, and must be kept under
control. They are drinkers of blood and consumers of human and animal
flesh, and any insufficiency in their propitiation will, it is
believed, invite their wrath and inflame their cruel natures. The
Sapta Matrikas (seven mothers/sisters/virgins); the various forms of
Kali and Mari and all village goddesses have longing for blood and a
reputation for cruelty. Their images are ugly and frightening, both in
appearance and behaviour.
What an awful image of women, which is ingrained in the Indian psyche!
Surely the mother who procreates and nurtures deserves a better
reputation? While the temples to the male Gods” are beautiful,
majestic buildings that inspire awe and “serenity, Devi temples are
small, dark and dingy, situated outside the city in a sacred grove
that is the haunt of dead spirits. Thus supporting animaI sacrifice is
supporting both gender inequity and perpetuating myths about the evil
that is woman. Male spirits who demand sacrifice are generally the
Goddess’ lieutenants, who have developed a taste for blood. This image
was created to justify the suppression of women.
Another little-known aspect is economic. Animal sacrifices are
promoted by moneylenders, who freely give loans for the occasion and
thus get illiterate villagers into their clutches. The wielders of the
knife are often butchers who officiate as priests and charge for their
services. The cost of a buffalo runs into thousands, a goat, sheep or
rooster into hundreds. Add the cost of the feast and the poojari’s
fees, and the result is a hole in the pocket. There is a mafia that
benefits from the conduct of animal sacrifices, which keeps the lower
strata in permanent bondage. This becomes a vicious cycle. The animal
sacrifices purport to improve their situation. But they tie the
votaries, who generally belong to the lowest classes and castes, in
economic chains, where they remain forever. Obviously, the gods are
not pleased.
Sacrifice means giving up something precious to oneself. Thus Abraham
was asked by God to sacrifice his son, while Shunahshepas offered
himself to be sacrificed. Buying and killing an innocent animal does
not fit the bill. The sacrifice probably originated among totemic
tribes who sacrificed the animal totem to acquire its strength or
wisdom. Conquering tribes would sacrifice the animal totem of the
defeated tribe to signify victory. In the choice of the buffalo to be
killed, there is an obvious racial message: that the dark-coloured,
slothful and ugly animal deserves to die.
Animal sacrifice is cruel, disgusting and primitive. Bloody sacrifices
brutalise the viewer, confusing the distinction between right and
wrong. If one man supports animal sacrifice, another will support
human sacrifice, the killing of children and sati. How can any of
these be permitted in a civilised society? All cultures and religions
evolve, discarding ugly Practices. Over the years, we have learned to
identify and repudiate negative aspects of Hinduism, such as sati and
the caste system. Animal sacrifice is another cruelty that must be
rejected and discarded. It is surprising to hear educated people talk
of “customary practice”. Religion should be value-based and ennobling.
Sacrifice is neither: It is cruel and disgusting. We need to rise
above petty political differences to support the implementation of a
good law.
Nanditha Krishna
Director
C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation
Creations, Sunday Express, September 14, 2003
India Government Fails To Prevent Massive Animal Sacrifice
by Sherry Morse
Despite appeals for mercy by the state government and animal welfare
agencies, more than 2,000 goats and buffalos and thousands of lambs
and hens were ‘sacrificed’ at the temples of Durga and other goddesses
in Orissa, India, during the week-long Dasara festival in early
October.
Police and district administrators watched as massive numbers of
animals were killed at the temple in Bhawanipatna. The killing of over
2,000 goats and buffalos took place at one temple alone, while the
lambs and hens were killed at many other temples.
India’s Home Department had issued a press release on October 2 urging
the public against animal sacrifice in the name of tradition. This
marked the first time the government had issued such an appeal.
Some shrines did suspend their planned sacrifices in response to the
appeal, but many people believe that as the killing of animals is
prohibited by Indian law the government needs to take a more active
role to end the sacrifices.
“Merely issuing an appeal will not be sufficient,” said Indira Roy, an
animal rights activist.
Many state governments have hesitated to get involved in religious
matters, and India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act of 1960 and
the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 do not specifically ban
sacrifices in Hindu temples and shrines.
Law Minister B.B. Hariharan said, “The government is seriously
considering a ban on animal sacrifice during festivals. Legislation
will be introduced in the state legislature soon.”
In the Khurda district, the Animal Protection Manch appealed to the
district administration to prevent the animal sacrifices at the
Bhagabati temple.
“People should not participate in such a barbaric and heinous
tradition,” said Mr.Yudhisthir Das, who is an animal rights activist
and a former Speaker of the Orissa Assembly.
As a member of the Assembly Mr. Das introduced a bill for a ban on
animal sacrifice, but the bill did not become law.
Earlier this year, the group People for Animals filed a petition in
the Orissa High Court to ban animal sacrifices in the state’s Hindu
temples and shrines. That case is still pending.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
By Animal News
Published: 10/16/2003
Jallikattu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A victorious youth taking control of the bull at Alanganallur
Jallikattu
Crystal Clear app kedit.svg
This article may need to be rewritten entirely to comply with
Wikipedia’s quality standards. You can help. The discussion page may
contain suggestions. (May 2009)
Sallikattu (Tamil: சல்லிகட்டு) or Eruthazhuvuthal (Tamil: ஏருதழுவுதல்)
is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal
celebration. This is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in
the modern era. Although it sounds similar to the Spanish running of
the bulls, it is quite different. In Jallikattu, the bull is not
killed and the ‘matadors‘ are not supposed to use any weapon. It is
held in the villages of Tamil Nadu as a part of the village festival.
The festivals are held from January to July, every year. The one held
in Alanganallur, near Madurai, is one of the more popular events.
Introduction
Jallikattu is based on the simple concept of “flight or fight or
sometimes freeze”. Cattle being herd and prey animals in general tend
to run away from unwanted situations. But there are quite noteworthy
exceptions. Cape buffalos are famous for standing up against lions and
killing them. The Indian Gaur bull is known for standing its ground
against predators and tigers think twice about attacking a full grown
Gaur bull. Aurochs, the ancestor of domestic cattle was known for its
pugnacious nature. The majority of Jallikattu bulls belong to the
pulikulam breed of cattle. These cattle are reared in huge herds
numbering in hundreds with a few cowherds tending to them. These
cattle are for all practical comparisons, wild and only the cowherds
can mingle with them without any fear of being attacked. It is from
these herds that calves with good characteristics and body
conformation are selected and reared to become Jallikattu bulls. These
bulls attack not because they are irritated or agitated or frightened,
but because that is their basic nature. Other breeds of cattle that
are suitable for jallikattu are the palingu(or naatu) maadu, the
umblachery and the malai maadu.
History
Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull fighting, is an ancient
Tamilian tradition called Eruthazhuvuthal, popular amongst warriors
during the Tamil classical period.[1][2] According to legend, in olden
days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful
“matadors” were chosen as grooms.
The term Jallikattu comes from the term Salli Kaasu (coins) and Kattu
(meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money.
Later days during the colonial period this term got changed to
Jallikattu which is the term currently used. Usually the majestic
Kangeyam bull is involved in this game, as they are naturally more
ferocious and muscular than any other of its species. It is said that
the Tamil people hold on to their tradition forever. It is interesting
to note that there is a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization
depicting the sport. It is currently preserved in the Delhi museum.
Variants
There are three versions of jallikattu:
* Vadi manju virattu – this version takes place mostly in the
districts of Madurai, Pudukkottai, Theni, Thanjavur, Salem. this
version that has been popularised by television and movies involves
the bull being released from an enclosure with an opening. as the bull
comes out of the enclosure, one person clings to the hump of the bull.
the bull in its attempt to shake him off will bolt (as in most cases),
but some will hook the guy with their horns and throw him off. the
rules specify that the person has to hold on to the running bull for a
predetermined distance to win the prize. in this version, only one
person is supposed to attempt catching the bull. but this rule being
strictly enforced depends on the village where the event is conducted
and more importantly, the bull himself. some bulls acquire a
reputation and that alone is enough for them to be given an unhindered
passage out of the enclosure and arena..
* Vaeli virattu – this version is more popular in the districts of
Sivagangai, and Madurai. the bull is released in an open ground. this
version is the most natural as the bulls are not restricted in any way
(no rope or determined path). the bulls once released just run away
from the field in any direction that they prefer. most don’t even come
close to any human. but there are a few bulls that don’t run but stand
their ground and attack anyone who tries to come near them. these
bulls will “play” for some time (from a few minutes to a couple of
hours) providing a spectacle for viewers, players and owners alike.
* Vadam manjuvirattu – “vadam” means rope in Tamil. the bull is
tied to a 50-foot-long rope (15 m) and is free to move within this
space. a team of 7 or 9 members must attempt to subdue the bull within
30 minutes. this version is very safe for spectators as the bull is
tied and the spectators are shielded by barricades.
Training of jallikattu bulls
The calves that are chosen to become jallikattu bulls are fed a
nutritious diet so that they develop into strong, sturdy beasts. the
bulls are made to swim for exercise. the calves, once they reach
adolescence are taken to small jallikattu events to familiarise them
with the atmosphere. specific training is given to vadam manju virattu
bulls to understand the restraints of the rope. apart from this, no
other training is provided to jallikattu bulls. once the bulls are
released, then instinct takes over.
Controversy
As might be expected, injuries and even deaths occur in Jallikattu. In
2004, at least 5 people were reported dead and several hundreds
injured in various villages. Two hundred have died over the past two
decades.[3] Unlike in spanish bullfighting, the bull is not killed.
There are rarely any casualties suffered by the bulls. Several animal
activists object to this dangerous game every year,[4] but so far
these objections have been in vain. In fact Jallikattu is loaded
against the matadors, unlike in Spain bullfighting. For instance, the
bull’s horns are sharpened and the matador cannot use any weapons.
The Animal welfare Board of India took the case to the Supreme Court,
which is considering an outright ban on Jallikattu because of the
cruelty to animals and the threat to public safety involved.Bulls
often have chilli pepper rubbed in their eyes, are force-fed alcohol
and have their testicles pinched, all in an effort to get them crazed
and frantic. Villagers throw themselves on top of the terrified
animals in an effort to “tame” them and claim the prize. This is gross
mistreatment of animals which is opposed by animal advocates.
People from Tamilnadu were very displeased hearing the voice to ban
jallikattu which has been a cultural and religious festival. So a
committee was formed called “Tamilar Veera Vilayathu Peravai” which
was headed by Dr.P.Rajasekaran from madurai , a district which is
famous for its jallikattu sport. Dr.P.Rajasekaran with the support of
the Tamilnadu government appealed against the claim of animal welfare
board in supreme court .
On November 27, 2010 the supreme court in accordance with the law
enacted on the regulation of event, permitted the Tamil Nadu
government to allow ‘jallikattu’ for five months in a year from
January 15 .
A Bench composed of Justice Mr. R.V. Raveendran and Justice Mr.A.K.
Patnaik made it clear in their order that the animals participating in
the event were to be categorized as per the provisions of the Act.
The Bench also directed the District Collectors to make sure that the
animals that will be participating in Jallikattu should be registered
to the Animal Welfare Board and in return the Board would send its
representative to monitor over the event.
The Act states that no ‘jallikattu’ would be permitted or will be
carried out without the permission of the collector and such
permission should be obtained one month in prior to the event and the
location should also be informed to the board before hand.
Considering the report submitted to the board, which stated the
statistics of 12 deaths and 1,614 injuries at the event, the Bench
directed the collectors to segregate the events into smaller and
larger ones and also added that large amount should be deposited when
the events were set large. The Bench considers the board’s suggestion
for framing the rules.
The State also responded stating that ‘Jallikattu’ is an ancient,
religious and sentimental cultural game that had been conducted for
more than 400 years in rural areas during Pongal in January and also
for few church festivals from January to December. However, as per the
law directs, the event was restricted to five months between January
and May.
The State added that at present two lakhs be deposited by the
organizers for the benefit of the victims which also includes the
victim’s family, in case of an accident or injury during the event.
The government said that a team of veterinarians would be present at
the venue for testing and certifying the bulls for participation in
the event to provide treatment for bulls that gets injured.
Artistic depictions
The event has fascinated movie makers for decades. Several movies
featuring Jallikattu have been made in Tamil. The most popular among
them is Murattu Kalai starring Rajinikanth playing the role of a
professional and the most successful bull tamer of the village.
Virumaandi, released in 2004, had Kamal Haasan playing a more
effective role, and offered the most realistic depiction. He is also
known to have acted without stunt doubles.
Another single painting discovered in a cave at Kalluthu Mettupatti,
about 35 km west of Madurai, between Madurai and Dindigul, shows a
lone man trying to control a bull. Mr. Gandhirajan estimated that this
painting, done in white kaolin, was about 1,500 years old.[5]
See also
* Bull-leaping
* Running of the bulls in Spain
References
1. ^ Google books version of the book A Western Journalist on
India: The Ferengi’s Columns by François Gautier.
http://books.google.com/books?id=o56i5ymOIBkC&pg=PA159&ots=oG9IEJ6rbd&dq=jallikattu+history&sig=e31geY0MBwBH-AaV7rKUT8oGVCM.
Retrieved 2008-07-09.
2. ^ Grushkin, Daniel (2007-03-22). “NY Times: The ritual dates
back as far as 2,000 years…“. The New York Times.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/22/travel/21webletter.html.
Retrieved 2008-07-09.
3. ^ http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080038657&ch=1/16/2008%208:04:00%20AM
NDTV
4. ^ The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-india-peta-bulls.html?scp=5&sq=india.
5. ^ “The Hindu : Bull chasing, an ancient Tamil tradition”. The
Hindu. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011759090900.htm.
Retrieved 2008-06-14.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jallikattu
* Fearless Boys with Bulls in Avaniapuram, Madurai. The NewYork
Times
* Jallikattu photo impressions
* Jallikattu picture gallery
* An Ancient Sport-report in The Hindu
* Bull chasing, an ancient Tamil tradition in The Hindu
* Jallikattu Videos
Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallikattu“
