The two-day Mundneshwar Kharaling religious Mela held in Kaljikhal block in Pauri district concluded peacefully, sans animal sacrifice, on Sunday night. No buffalo and goat has been slaughtered during this year's mela. More importantly, the practice of killing animals on the sacrificial wood has remained stopped for the past six years. The people say this has happened thanks to the efforts made by the district administration and anti-animal slaughter voluntary organisations. A large number of people thronged Kheraling temple of Mahadev in Mundneshwar during the religious fair.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Pl Shah told The Pioneer that both revenue and regular police had been deputed in the mela area to maintain peace. Jal Sansthan tankers were installed to help the devotees slake thirst with drinking water scarcity prevailing in the area. It is pertinent to mention that the practice of sacrificing animals by way of wish-fulfilment ended for Kalinga Mela in December 2014. Other religious melas held in the district are Kanda Mela, and Bungkhal Mela.