Bombay High Court Approves Animal Sacrifice for Eid at Kolhapur's Historic Fort
The Bombay High Court has authorized animal sacrifice for Eid-ul-Azha at the dargah in Kolhapur's Vishalgad Fort, following a legal petition. Advocates highlighted the importance of the Urs festival, which is celebrated annually, and expressed concerns over the lack of response from officials regarding their applications. The court's decision underscores the cultural significance of the event, where followers believe that the spirit of Hazrat Peer Malik Sahib visits during the celebrations. This ruling is expected to facilitate the upcoming festivities, which hold deep meaning for the local community.
| Jun 3, 2025, 18:26 IST
Court Grants Permission for Eid Celebrations
The Bombay High Court has granted permission for animal sacrifice at the dargah located in the Vishalgad Fort, Kolhapur, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) and Urs celebrations. The court also reprimanded government officials for attempting to halt the application process. Justices Dr. Neela Gokhale and Firdous Poonawala noted that a previous order had already allowed the dargah to celebrate the festival.
Legal Action Taken by Advocates
The dargah of Hazrat Peer Malik Rehan Meera Sahib, situated in Kolhapur's Vishalgad Fort, approached the High Court through advocates Satish Talekar and Madhavi Ayyappan. They stated that they had submitted applications to various officials seeking permission for animal sacrifice on June 5 and 6, 2025, and for the Urs from June 7 to 12. However, the petitioners claimed that the officials had yet to act on their requests.
Significance of the Urs Festival
The Urs at the dargah is celebrated annually over three days, coinciding with the death anniversary of Peer Sahib, occurring twice a year—once after Eid-ul-Azha in June and again from January 12 to 14 each year. The petition emphasized the festival's importance, as followers believe that Hazrat Peer Malik Sahib descends to Earth during this time. It was also mentioned that the silver gate near Peer Sahib's tomb miraculously opens on the first day of the Urs.