Ban on animal sacrifice in Hangeshwari Kali temple of West Bengal on Diwali

In a historic decision, this time animal sacrifice will not be performed on the occasion of Diwali in the famous temple of goddess Kali in Bansberia in Hooghly district in West Bengal.

This will happen for the first time in the 209 year history of the temple.

Hangeshwari Kali is worshiped in the temple. The tradition of animal sacrifice during worship in this temple has continued for centuries.

The Deb Ray family of Bansberia, which maintains the temple, has decided to ban animal sacrifice from this year. A family member said, 'We all agreed that this practice should be stopped.'

Sociologist Sukanya Sarbadikhari says that sacrifice creates a feeling of fear. We are passing through an era where sensitivity has increased. It is difficult to watch such cruelty. Apart from this, ecological balance is also a matter of concern. Animals should be protected. Religion can play a big role in this.

Now options like banana and pumpkin will be chosen to offer Kali in the temple. Experts say that these options are mentioned in the Smriti book. There will be no harm in stopping the ritual of animal sacrifice. A senior priest of Ramakrishna Mission said that Swami Vivekananda had also taken initiative to stop animal sacrifice.

This huge five-storey temple of Kali was built in 1814. It also represents Tantric architecture. People of Bansberia say that many saints and spiritual gurus including Ramakrishna had worshiped the goddess in the temple.