In Unnao, an annual ‘gosht ka mela’ where 2,000 goats are slaughtered

As per the AWBI report, nearly 2,000 goats are slaughtered during Bahru Baba fair in the village akin to Gandhimai festival of Nepal.

[related-post]

“After getting the information we have alerted both the DM and the SP of Unnao. We have requested them to stop slaughtering of animals during the fair like Gandhimai festival in Nepal. This is cruelty to animals and we have mentioned the rules regarding it. We have been assured that the slaughtering of goats will not be allowed,” Kamna Pandey, co-opted member, AWBI told The Indian Express.

District administration claimed that no illegal slaughtering of animals will be allowed during the fair. “We are fully aware about the matter and AWBI request. Even if it is a traditional thing, there should be proper permission. We are looking into the matter and will not give any permission, which is against the law,” Saumya Agarwal, DM, Unnao, said.

The Hasanpur Pashchim village under Auras police station area is located nearly 55 kilometres from Unnao district headquarters and 40 kilometres from the state capital. As per a folklore, centuries ago one Bahru Baba’s marriage was fixed in Khanduwa village near Malihabad in Lucknow. But, the marriage could not take place and Bahru Baba turned into a stone. Since then, there is a temple of Bahru Baba at nearby Bayari village.

On June 21, the annual fair is organised at the temple. Local villagers claim that people in surrounding 12 villages do not make chapatis on this day. A tel (oil) pujan ritual is observed. Next day the fair shifts to Hasanpur Pashchim village where goats are slaughtered.

“The place where animals are slaughtered is situated in the village. The slaughtering begins early in the morning and continues till late in the evening. Nearly 1,500 goats are slaughtered. The meat is given to the visitors. It is called “gosht ka mela” (meat fair). We do not want this to happen further as it pollutes the whole environment,” Mishrilal Maurya, village pradhan told The Indian Express.

Sandeep Singh, a local villager, informed that thousands of people attend the fair and after the puja at the temple, take the meat as a token. “All those who visit the fair are Hindus. But, we want it to end as the stink that emanates (following the slaughter) remains for several days,” he said.

Hasanpur Pashchim village has majority of Pasi community?a scheduled caste —- while other castes include Thakurs, Brahmin, and other backward castes like Maurya and Kannaujia, and Muslims.