Bhubaneswar, Oct. 13: People of Banapur are protesting against the Khurda district administration’s move to stop animal sacrifice at the local Bhagabati temple.

In support of the protest all business establishments and shops remained closed today.

Orissa High Court last week directed the state government to ensure that animals were not sacrificed at the Maa Bhagabati Shakti Peeth during Dussehra celebrations.

The district administration has deployed two platoon of force to tackle any untoward situation. “We are well prepared to enforce law and order in the area. We will ensure that there will be no animal sacrifice in the temple,” said Khurda collector Hrusikesh Tripathy.

Convener of Maa Bhagbati Parampara Surakhya Mancha, an organisation that is advocating protection of traditional rituals, Prof Nalinikanta Patnaik told The Telegraph: “It would be very difficult to conduct puja in the temple if the district administration tries to implement the court order without taking public sentiments into consideration. We have no idea regarding inception of animal sacrifice in this ancient temple. Devotees offer animals to deity out of respect. Only few local people are protesting against it.”

Animals are sacrificed here at the altar on Navami which this year starts Friday midnight onwards. “Last year, 325 animals (goats and buffaloes) were sacrificed. This year, a number of devotees will come to offer their animals.”

Protesters are planning to observe a Balugaon bandh on Thursday. “We are in touch with the district administration and has urged them not to allow animal sacrifice in the temple,” said advisor of the Maa Bhagabati Sanskar Parishad Dr Trailokyanath Maharana.

“Our president Durga Charan Das had already filed a petition in the high court to put a ban on animal sacrifice,” Maharana said.