As Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) approaches on June 7, tensions are rising across India over the traditional practice of animal sacrifice. The controversy was ignited by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), which has demanded a ban on “violence, cruelty, and illegal activities” in the name of Bakrid. The VHP also expressed unease over what it called “barbaric traditions.” Joining the chorus, Baba Bageshwar not only criticized the Muslim practice of qurbani but also spoke against the Hindu custom of animal sacrifice. From Delhi’s outskirts, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar suggested celebrating symbolically—cutting a cake shaped like an animal instead of sacrificing one. The Uttar Pradesh government has issued guidelines regarding qurbani, while political clashes have spread to Maharashtra, where opposition leaders accuse the BJP of using communal polarization ahead of the BMC elections. Muslim groups have responded, pointing out that animal sacrifice also exists in Hindu traditions. They question the silence of those who promote eco-friendly Diwali and Holi but now target their religious customs. With claims that over two crore animals may be sacrificed, the debate has taken center stage. The larger question remains: who is being made the real “sacrificial goat” in this religious-political tug-of-war?
