Wildlife SOS reports that the month leading up to Diwali sees increased owl poaching, with illegal traders preparing the birds for ritual sacrifice, including feeding them meat and alcohol. (Freepik)
Diwali Special: As Diwali draws near, a troubling tradition resurfaces: owl sacrifices. Driven by beliefs that sacrificing owls ensures prosperity and the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi, hunters and traffickers begin targeting the elusive birds, especially in India’s illegal wildlife markets, where prices soar. With an owl’s symbolic link to wisdom, prosperity, and spirituality in several cultures, these beliefs fuel illegal trade and ritual practices.
As early as a month before Diwali, hunters search for owls from forested areas to rural surroundings where they might be spotted. The rock owl, or eagle owl, known for its supposed “tantric powers,” is especially prized. Prices reach from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 based on factors like weight and color, as wildlife traffickers cash in on the demand. According to Wildlife SOS, this illegal trade peaks near Diwali, spurred by spiritual beliefs surrounding owl sacrifices on the night of Amavasya, a new moon night tied to Lakshmi worship.
In Hindu mythology, owls are often associated with the goddess Lakshmi, considered a sacred companion representing prosperity and wisdom. Some depictions show Lakshmi riding an owl, while others pair the bird with her, symbolizing divine association. Many believe sacrificing an owl during Diwali invokes Lakshmi’s presence, ensuring wealth and fortune for households. Furthermore, the owl is linked with Alakshmi, Lakshmi’s sibling, symbolizing misfortune, creating a complex balance in its mythological importance.
Owls are recognized globally as icons of wisdom and mystery. In ancient Greek mythology, the owl represents Athena, the goddess of wisdom, while in Indian beliefs, it’s celebrated for endurance and survival traits. The Puranas reference the bird in Tantric Sadhana, believing its resilience fits well with tantric practices. Across India, especially in Puri, Odisha, owls are revered as the “Lord with Circular Eyes” and worshipped as Choka-Dhola, showing cultural respect for these creatures.
Owls fall under the Indian Wildlife Act’s Schedule-1 protection, which criminalizes their trade and capture with penalties of up to three years in prison. Yet, these protections fall short against the beliefs that drive the trade. Wildlife SOS reports that the month leading up to Diwali sees increased owl poaching, with illegal traders preparing the birds for ritual sacrifice, including feeding them meat and alcohol. On Diwali night, body parts are then used in tantric rituals thought to bring prosperity.
Known as skilled hunters, owls enjoy a distinct status in various cultures, from Greek deities to symbolism in Christianity. As wildlife ecologist Drew Meyer notes, owls’ ability to “see in the dark” metaphorically represents wisdom and spiritual vision, a testament to their revered status worldwide.
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