Yes, you heard it right. People in Delhi indulge in occult science to get rich. What kind of “totka” you ask? It is sacrificing owls on Diwali night and for what? To get rich!
When the entire country celebrates the festival of lights by lighting lamps, bursting crackers, gifting and visiting friends, but then, in some dark corner of Delhi, the unscrupulous and devious “tantriks” sacrifice the rarest forms of majestic owls in order to make people rich. This ritual, unknown to almost majority of people across the country, is believed to help “stop” Goddess Lakshmi, from leaving your home.
India has a total 32 species of owls, out of which 13 species are sold in the illegal wild birds trade. Most of the species out of those 13 birds are listed under the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with the forest owlet being critically endangered.
The owls in Delhi, are generally found in the Kabootar Bazaar opposite Red Fort. The “dealers” although fully aware of the trade being illegal, bring these birds from Moradabad or Lucknow and charge anywhere between Rs 5000- Rs 15000 for small to adult owls. And for an additional Rs 10000 they even agree to sacrifice on your behalf.
According to the popular local belief, it is said that sacrificing the vahan (vehicle) of Goddess Lakshmi forces her to stay put at your home.
The owl parts that are said to have “magical” properties include the feathers, skull, claws, heart, kidney, liver, eyes, blood beak, eggshells, fat, tears, meat and bones. Even though, hunting and trade of all owl species is banned under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 in India, the trade of owls are quite rampant and are mostly used in black magic, occult medicines or for capturing other birds and even their eggs are used in black magic.
Now, is it really smart of humans to sacrifice innocent birds to get their wishes fulfilled? Although, people in tribal areas do believe these stuffs, but about the educated elite and politicians
and business class? According to some witch doctors, people come to them with “requests” for a son, or to get rid of infertility or illness, or to cause harm to one’s enemy/ business rival.
There are various on-going petitions in change.org to help stop the practice of owl sacrifice during Diwali.
You can sign the petition(s) here:
It is high time that we start fighting against these diabolical and middle aged practices. We should also fight against such narrow minded people who wish to get successful using short cuts or through black magic.
By: Archa Dave
