Animal sacrifice: major breakthrough in Bengal

[Guest guest]

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*Anandabazar Patrika, Bardhaman News, 9th July, 2008*

 

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*Bamunara Club halts two hundred years' sacrifice tradition*

 

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*Subrata Sit, Durgapur*

 

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*Saratchandra's Lalu had to act adroitly to prevent animal sacrifice in

Manohar Chatterjee's residence. But nothing of that sort took place in

Bamunara in Durgapur. A few people resisted in the beginning. But thanks to

the support of the overwhelming majority of the community a resolution to

stall goat sacrifice in the two hundred year old Dharmaraj temple was

passed.*

 

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*Village elders have informed that in the past, hundreds of goats used to be

sacrificed in the temple. The number had come down to one hundred fifty in

recent times. Mostly during the Dharmaraj gajan festival. Also on the

occasion of special vows throughout the year on Saturdays and Tuesdays. This

year too, thirty two goats were sacrificed in a day. The maddening noise of

the dhak combined with the bellowing of devotees. Goats were sacrificed at

the altar one after another. The animals waiting to be slaughtered shivered

standing on the sidelines. Children cried in fear. Many left the temple in

fear. Many adults cringed in disgust. Many in the village were opposed to

the ritual. But they lacked the courage to speak out.*

 

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* It was at this point of time that Bamunara's 'Aamra Kojon Nature Club'

entered the fray. Club members became vocal against the practice after this

year's Dharmaraj gajan festival. There was a widespread response. Temple

partners came forward too. *

 

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* The chief priest of the temple did not hover as well. Sensing a meaningful

reaction, the temple committee called for a meeting. The members of the

temple governing committee were present. Temple priests attended. And the

Nature Club members were present of course. In the meeting, some objected to

the discontinuance of a two hundred years old tradition. But they were

caught in the logic of others.*

 

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*Club members said, " A public sacrifice with such ostentation leads to

negative influence exerted on children. " A temple partner, Shyamapada Ray

stated, " It is humans who have started the tradition of sacrificing animals

in temples. Therefore there is no reason to not get rid of it. " The chief

priest of the temple, Ganesh Acharya, argued against the practice of animal

sacrifice. He commented, " A lot is changing with the passage of time. We can

consider the issue of stopping animal sacrifice in the temple. " The meeting

endorsed the resolution to discontinue animal sacrifice. The sacrifice altar

was demolished. The decision was conveyed through a notice hung on the

temple wall.*

 

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* The Bamunara Nature Club is pleased with the success in Bamunara. Now they

have decided to appeal against animal sacrifice in the adjoining Arra

Bhagawati Temple and Banskopa during the nabanna festival. Club secretary

Samir Ray said, " We have succeeded because the residents of Banskopa have

come forward. We hope residents of Arra and Banskopa will also agree with

our stance against animal sacrifice. " *