Controversial Animal Sacrifice In Chilaw (Photos)
This photo essay by photographer Natalie Soyza covers the protested animal sacrifice in Chilaw yesterday. The following text and photos are by Ms. Soyza.
Slaughter of 300 goats and countless chickens at the Arulmigu Sri Mahabathrakaliyam Kovil on 25th August 2010.
It should be noted that this can’t merely be considered an act of Hindu devotion. For one, there are many sects of Hinduism and this is one sect of Kali worshippers and for another there were a considerable number of Sinhalese Buddhists who were partaking in the slaughter ritual inside the kovil as well. This is more a social or cultural practice than a religious one.
A Prayer for Salvation – one of the 300 goats brought to slaughter inside the Arulmigu Sri Mahabathrakaliyam Kovil in Munneswaram, Chilaw on 25th August 2010
The Arulmigu Sri Mahabathrakaliyam Kovil, not to be mistaken for its neighbour, the Shivan Kovil where thousands flock on pilgrimage. The Shivan Kovil and the ACHC have condemned the act of annual sacrifice
The Peaceful Protest – A group of monks, animal rights activists and concerned citizens demonstrated a peaceful protest on the next lane to the kovil as they were not allowed any closer, being threatened by riot police who turned a blind eye to the violence going on inside
People flock to the temple nearby after the protest in desperation wanting to know how this act of mass slaughter could be stopped
Dragged to slaughter –two boys beating and dragging a reluctant goat into the kovil premises
Through the barricades – A young boy takes a chicken into the kovil passed the police barricades. Most parents opted to let their children take the animals into the kovil in the hope that the goddess would look kindly upon them
Carried into slaughter – This man walks in passed unconcerned police officers
Ready to be reaped – An eyewitness said the chickens were swung around by both head and feat around 15 times each before being dashed on the ground
The Human Condition – Two young men take a goat into slaughter with unabashed smiles on their faces
What are we teaching our children? – This lady gets her son to carry a heavy bag of sacrificial food with her into the kovil
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James Campbell – why do you carry a moda suddha name? Do you feel proud of it?
This is disgusting and disgraceful I am a hindu and I am ashamed by these barbarians. Are these fellows hindus or racketeers who want to slaughter these innocent animals in front of a temple and sell the meat or enjoy the meat with alcohol. Some one referred to Prabaharan elswhere. When he was there all these activites were banned in the north and after his demise these vandals have again started their caniibalistic activities. Government should ban this at once. This is not chinduism but some very premitive, tribal and sadistic activity. If there is hell all these fellows will certainly end up there for their inhuman acts.
Sinhala Buddhists could not have participated since no Sinhala Buddhist remains one after killing anyone/thing.
I believe this is more supported by power hungry politicians and mudalalis who come for favours to the Kovil and not by any Hindu either.
Why make such a big deal over a few animals? When over 20,000 Tamils were ‘Humanitarianly’ slaughtered in the ‘No Fire Zone,’ we didn’t hear a hum from any body then??
My question is when Lord Buddha preached Buddhism in the Indian Jungles, did he only eat VEGETARIAN food?
Please any Buddhist can you help me find the answers?
of course,after he realise buddha hood.
Hello Shehan, Well said.
Please do not eat meat. Cruelty to animals goes on unabated. Stand up for the innocent animals that have no voice to express injustice done to them. Click on Choose Veg.com and Kosher Slaughter and you would not eat meat again.
I agree completely…
There is no need to condemn this sacrifice. I am glad things like these are still being followed. I am a vegetarian by preference and so do not eat any meat. But sacrificing animals to the deities is a different matter.
Millions of animals and sea creatures get slaughtered in slaughter houses and domestic households across the world and and a good portion of that goes as waste. No body talks about that. But when a few animals are sacrificed to the deities bug hue and cry is raised. Why?
Anyway most of the folk who make a big issue out of these things are the ones who in subtle ways hate Pagan religions.
Save these traditions. By good wishes to all who sacrificed.