‘Eco-friendly bakra' for Id? What a Bhopal Hindu group's drive is all about
A Bhopal-based Hindu outfit that claims to represent Sanatan followers has prepared what it calls 'eco-friendly bakras' ahead of Bakrid and appealed to the Muslim community to 'sacrifice' these instead of living male goats.Chandrashekhar Tiwari of the Sanskriti Bachao Manch told INDIA TODAY that Hindus are often reminded that their major festivals, such as Holi, Diwali and Ganesh Puja, add to environmental degradation. 'We have started using dry colours and organic gulal on Holi; we are using Ganesh idols made from eco-friendly material; and we have also reduced sound and air pollution by bursting fewer crackers on Diwali. We now appeal to the Muslim community to shun the sacrifice of animals and instead perform symbolic sacrifices,' said Tiwari, adding that the onus of being environment-friendly was on all communities.advertisementThe 'eco-friendly bakra' being pitched is a life-size model of a goat. It is made of mud with hair plastered on it. How has the response to Sanskriti Bachao Manch's appeal been? Well, the 'eco-friendly bakras' have not found any takers yet in Bhopal.Tiwari claimed he wanted to retail the models at half the cost price of Rs 2,000, the subsidy aimed at promoting the concept. When asked if he had the same advice for those Hindus who offer animal sacrifices, Tiwari said the practice of 'bali' (sacrifice) had waned and it was mostly being done symbolically using a pumpkin instead of an animal. 'We are even against meat shops and killings of any kind, including by Hindus,' he said.
Tiwari has four 'eco-friendly bakra' models in his inventory, but said he could supply more at short notice if orders were placed. 'I also appeal to Hindus not to sell goats on Id,' he added.advertisementSubscribe to India Today Magazine
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