Defying restrictions imposed by the local administration, devotees sacrificed a large number of animals during Chhatar Jatra of Goddess Manikeswari here on Wednesday.
The ceremonial Chhatar of the goddess was taken out in a procession to the Jena Khala on the outskirts of the Kalahandi district headquarters town from the Manikeswari Temple in the morning after performance of secret rituals. The return journey of the Chhatar to the temple is known as Chhatar Jatra.
During the ceremony, thousands of devotees carry out animal sacrifice every year with a belief of fulfilment of their wishes by the goddess although the administration has restricted the practice since long ago.