Bhawanipatna, Oct 9: Ancient superstitious beliefs overcome logic and reasoning when today despite a ban imposed by the district administration, hundreds of animals such as goats, hen, roosters were made to sacrifice publicly here in Kalahandi district to celebrate ‘Chhatar Jatra’ as a tribute to goddess ‘Manikeswari’. The ban on this ritual was imposed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite having mass awareness campaigns by the district administration and animal right activists, this illegal slaughtering of animals took place.
This incident came to fore when the procession of ‘Chhatar Jatra’ passed from the Kalahandi royal palace till Jenakhal, a distance of 3km, in the town in the presence of police and district administration. Today during the early hours, the ‘Chhatra’ returned to the original abode accompanied by ‘Jenavadya’ to the sounds of ‘ghanta’, ‘kahali’ and ‘ghumura’ and dancers performing ‘Ghumura’ and martial art forms. Devotees were lined up along the road for a glimpse of the goddess.
The Kalahandi district administration had made elaborate arrangements so that the fate is conducted smoothly. Yesterday on the occasion of Mahastami the devotees spent sleepless nights to watch the rituals which included carrying of the ceremonial ‘Chhatar’ of the deity to Jenakhal after the conduction of ‘Sandhi Puja’.
