Why Did Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Oppose Sacrifice

Chhatarpur : Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has publicly condemned the practice of animal sacrifice on the occasion of Bakrid, calling such acts of violence against living beings “reprehensible.” He expressed strong opposition to the age-old tradition of animal sacrifice, emphasizing that harming innocent creatures should not be part of any religious ritual. Shastri urged people to reconsider these violent customs and seek more compassionate ways to observe festivals. According to him, true devotion lies in kindness, non-violence, and respect for all life forms, which should be the core message of religious celebrations. The priest’s remarks come at a time when animal rights activists and various social groups have also been voicing concerns about animal cruelty during festivals. Shastri highlighted that religious beliefs should evolve with time and promote harmony rather than cruelty. His opposition to the sacrificial rituals during Bakrid has sparked widespread discussion among followers and the general public. Many appreciated his call for peace and non-violence, seeing it as a progressive step towards more humane celebrations. Critics of animal sacrifice argue that such traditions cause unnecessary suffering and should be replaced by symbolic offerings that do not involve harm to any living beings. Shastri’s message aligns with a growing global movement that advocates for animal welfare and ethical treatment of animals in religious practices. The priest encouraged his followers and society at large to celebrate festivals with compassion and to avoid any acts that bring pain to animals. His views also stress the importance of spiritual growth that does not contradict ethical values. By condemning animal sacrifice during Bakrid, Shastri hopes to inspire a broader cultural shift towards kindness and respect for all creatures. The debate around this issue is likely to continue, but voices like Shastri’s add significant weight to the argument for ending violent rituals. As the conversation grows, it may lead to changes in how religious festivals are celebrated, emphasizing empathy and peace over tradition.