Udupi: The Karnataka High Court has banned the age old tradition of animal sacrifice being held as part of Suggi Mari Pooja at Marigudi temple in Kaup.
Even after a strong opposition from the public against the ban, the World Animal Welfare Board and Rajya Goseva Ayoga have appreciated the move.
The ban was imposed after public interest litigation was filed by a local advocate – Alevoor Premaraj Kini considering the animal sacrifice during the Maripooja.
On the contrary, the BJP president Tingalay Vikramarjuna Hedge said that “BJP supports the tradition, so the party had filed writ petition through Gurme Suresh Shetty in the High Court. On March 24th, at 3 pm High Court passed the order imposing the ban and declaring that whoever violates the ban may be taken into custody by the police without warrant. If proved guilty, he will be sentenced up to six months in jail or fine up to Rs 500, or both.
Suggi Mari Pooja is the annual feast and an age old tradition, which gives importance to animal sacrifice, popularly called as ‘Bali Pooja. Usually the Pooja starts at 12 am at the temple premises, Lakhs of Hindu devotees follow the ritual here.
Public opinion
While speaking to News Karnataka, Sawchanya from Kaup said, “The ban has hurt the feeling of lacs of devotees, it is our traditional believe to offer animal to the most powerful goddess of the district for prosperity and wellbeing. No one has the right to play with our emotions”.
Santhosh Acharya one of the shopkeepers near the temple, said, “The ban was a sudden decision from District Administration, and so like every year thousands of devotees were already gathered here to give their offerings. There are people here from many districts like Shimoga, Uttar Kannada, Chickmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, however they returned disappointed”, he added.
Girija from Udyavara said, “If Mr. Kini had problem with the ritual of Mari Pooja let him back off from it, he cannot put ban on the tradition. He has tried to question the belief of thousands of devotees. Everyone will curse him”.
Shobha Kotian said that every year lacs and lacs of animals like hens and sheep are killed. As per the Karnataka Animal Sacrifice Prohibition Act, 1959 animal sacrifices are not allowed in any name. I support the ban she added.
Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike Protest
Members of the district unit of Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike staged protest in front of the Clock Tower here against the directive issued by the administration.
DC said that it is a cruel act in the name of god. Instead of sacrificing birds and animals, devotees could break pumpkin and coconut. The bloodshed may lead to spread the communicable diseases, he pointed out.
Devotees continue tradition irrespective of the Ban
Devotees like every year, carried hens in their bags and gave their offering to the goddess at the Hosa Mari Gudi shrines in Kaup on Wednesday, March 25, at 12 am.
Though the ban could not stop the believers of the Kaup Goddess, the number of devotees was comparatively less. Suggi Mari Pooje is the annual feast and an age old tradition, which gives importance to animal sacrifice, popularly called as ‘Bali Pooja’.
A team of police men led by Circle inspector, Sunil Nayak visited the temple and arrested more than 15 members. They have taken some of the weapons along the men carrying them into custody.
