Animals for People!

Photo: Luit Chaliha, Sivasagar

Devotees line up with ducks and goats to be sacrificed at the 276 years old historic Devi Dol, built by Queen Madambika, consort of great Ahom King Siva Singha, in the year 1734, on the occasion of Maha Asthami during Durga Puja Festival in Sivasagar in India’s north-eastern state of Assam on on October 15, 2010. The sacrifice of live animals is performed to appease the goddess Durga and to shower blessings on the community, despite protests from animal rights groups. Durga, who represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of female dynamism, along with other Hindu gods are worshipped by Hindu devotees for four days, during Durga Puja, one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated across India.