The annual Siddappaji jatra mahotsava at Chikkallur in Kollegal taluk, was held with religious fervour, on Thursday. But the popular ‘Pankti seva’, where animals are sacrificed and a non-vegetarian feast is served, failed to draw a crowd this year, as the district administration was successful in preventing animal sacrifice as directed by the High Court.
The district administration had set up special check-posts and stopped the people from carrying animals like sheep and fowl. But, a few were able to dodge the authorities, by walking through the forest, carrying sheep and fowl. They were seen offering animals at a distance, amid fear of police action. Some others, who did not want to give a miss to the tradition of ‘pankti seva’ had brought meat from the house and cooked food on the premises.
A few devotees expressed their disappointment over not allowing them to offer prayers as per their custom, that has been followed since decades.
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