Exploitation of Mules by pilgrims

 

In a shocking news, over 60 mules used for carrying pilgrims to the Kedarnath shrine have died within 20 days of the opening of yatra. Reports say they have succumbed due to extreme exhaustion, poor diet, abdominal issues and accidental injuries, which are often left untreated.

Moreover, it is being alleged that mule operators have been dumping their carcasses into the Mandakini river, which merges with the Ganga on its path downwards.

According to veterinary experts, exertion and equine colic have been the major causes of mules’ deaths. These mules are forced to carry pilgrims over an almost 19-km long trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Sometimes, they are forced to complete two trips in a day, even when the rules advise against it.

Horses and mules are used by a lot of pilgrims to cover the long distance to the Kedarnath temple. At present, there are around 8,500 mules and horses on duty for Kedarnath yatra, and they often have to endure sub-zero temperatures on a poor diet and lack of care

Donning a snake around his neck, sitting over a tiger kin, and riding a Brahman bull, Lord Shiva is one of the most decorated gods of the Hindus, and pilgrims barrage in numbers at his abode in Kedarnath. Considered one of the holiest temples of Lord Shiva, thousands of pilgrims pack their bags and make their trip to the sacred place, located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.

The talking point, however, is the way these pilgrims reach the premises of the temple. Some choose to travel by foot, while others take refuge on the backs of mules and horses to reach the temple gates. Why just gates? Because poor mules, or any other animal for that matter, do not have the right to enter the temple. If someone tries to sneak an animal inside, an FIR is filed by the temple committee like it was filed previously when a man sneaked a dog inside the temple as reported by the news india express. 

Whatever might be the official number, it’s pretty evident that pack animals have been abused and exploited for a very long time. Be it Kedarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra, or any other pilgrim journey, mules and horses are worked to death in many parts of the country. The poor animals are flogged and even drugged to make them carry weight for hours without any break. These pack animals ferry pilgrims up and down the hill on the tough terrain, are fed poorly, and treated even worse.

Even in circumstances where no one seems to notice, there hasn't been much done to stop the noted exploitation. As an example, The Indian Express published a piece in 2018 based on a Facebook post that detailed the appalling state in which the animals were kept during the Vaishno Devi walk. As a tribute to all the animals that have died or are dying carrying people up and down the sacred mountains of India, Harsha Singh, an Indian resident, started the petition to the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Humans may not awaken their consciousness but their gods did. It’s funny how strong, elegant, and brawny animals are the ones who act as the Vahnas (vehicles) of Hindu gods and goddesses. Dinka the mouse is the vehicle of Ganesha and is known for his speed and agility; while Parvani the peacock, the vehicle of Kartikeya, represents splendor and majesty. Garuda was the commuter of Lord Vishnu, but nobody chooses the poor donkey! Maybe because it is considered a mark of insult.

Well, then humans sneaked in a way to make donkeys as a carrier to satiate their own selfish desires. Thanks to crossbreeding actually allowing you to ride a mule – it’s not as humiliating as sitting on a donkey. Given the animal cruelty and the number of dead mules in Kedarnath, it is better to be a donkey than be a mule.