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Assam Temple Revives Century-Old Buffalo Sacrifice Tradition During Durga Puja
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News18•12-10-2026, 12:21
Assam Temple Revives Century-Old Buffalo Sacrifice Tradition During Durga Puja
- •The historic Sri Sri Billeswar Devalaya temple in Assam is reviving its traditional animal sacrifice ritual after many years.
- •A total of 49 buffaloes have been registered for sacrifice on Maha Navami, with numbers expected to rise alongside pledges for goats, ducks, and pigeons.
- •Festivities began with daily prayers starting the day after Mahalaya and will continue throughout Navratri.
- •The temple will also host its fourth annual Belshar Book Fair from October 16 to 21, coinciding with Maha Shashti to Vijaya Dashami.
- •Dedicated to Lord Shiva and built over 500 years ago, the temple holds a significant place in Assamese history and folklore.
Key Questions Answered
The historic temple is reviving its century-old royal tradition of buffalo sacrifice, with 49 buffaloes already registered for sacrifice on Maha Navami alongside other animals like goats, ducks, and pigeons.
Mahalaya took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha with daily prayers dedicated to Maa Shailputri at the temple.
According to local folklore, a priest followed his cow after it refused to be milked and discovered it expressing milk over a bush of virina grass. When the regional king excavated the spot, he uncovered a Shiv Linga, leading to the construction of the temple.
