Hundreds of devotees take part in pankti seva despite opposition from admin

The controversial pankti seva was organised in a smooth manner, with hundreds partaking the non-vegetarian meal, during the annual Siddappaji jatra at Chikkallur, Kollegal taluk on Friday.

The devotees from across the state fulfil their vow by offering animal sacrifice to the deity, a tradition followed since years. There was a hue and cry among the devotees as the district administration did not permit animal sacrifice. Citing the High Court order, the administration directed to serve only vegetarian food during the pankti seva and also banned the animals being brought to the spot. The police checkposts were set up and the animals being transported in the vehicles were seized.

But this year, most of the devotees had already brought meat in place of animals and fowls, to the premises. Makeshift tents were erected at a distance from the temple, where food was cooked and served during the pankti seva.

But it is alleged that a few had transported sheep and fowls via different routes and fulfilled their vow.

One of the devotees from T Narasipur said that their families have been following the practice of pankti seva since his great grand father's time and cannot stop it just because the district administration is opposing. "We are not sacrificing animals near the temple," he said.

According to the locals, as the ban on animal sacrifice was enforced, the number of people visiting the temple for the pankti seva, which is organised on the fourth day of the festival was less, compared to previous years.