Hyderabad:

Eid al-Adha traditionally involves the sacrifice of animals, but PETA India emphasises that compassion is a value shared by all faiths, none of which require the consumption of meat. The organisation encourages alternative ways to observe the festival that do not involve harming animals.

 In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India teamed up with the Serve Needy Voluntary Organisation and vegan singer and actor Zahrah S Khan to distribute 1,000 servings of nutritious vegan soya biryani to people in need across Hyderabad.

Health concerns attributed to non-veg diet

Aside from ethical concerns, eating meat and animal products has been linked to health problems such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. A United Nations report has also pointed out that adopting a vegan diet worldwide is essential to tackling climate change.

I feel humbled and grateful: Zahrah S Khan

Zahrah S Khan, known for her popular song “Kusu Kusu” from “Satyamev Jayate” and recent work on projects like “Skyforce” and “Bhul Chuk Maaf,” supported the initiative to promote kindness and compassion during this important festival.

“I feel humbled and grateful to share delicious vegan biryani with 1000 people in Hyderabad for the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha,” says Zahrah. “For Eid, many people honour Allah’s mercy by distributing vegan food or clothing, sponsoring children’s education or devoting volunteer time to charity. These acts of kindness benefit both humans and animals.”

Nationwide animal cruelty linked with Eid celebration every year

Each year, thousands of animals such as goats, buffaloes, and chickens face difficult and often cruel conditions. Many are transported in overcrowded vehicles, which breaks animal welfare laws, causing injuries and distress before they reach the site of sacrifice. Often, animals are slaughtered without being stunned first, even though this is legally required in licensed slaughterhouses, leading to prolonged suffering that is witnessed by other frightened animals.

Animals are sentient beings with their own personalities. Goats are curious and capable of forming strong social bonds, even remembering individual faces. Buffaloes show emotional depth and protective behaviour towards their young, while chickens display cognitive skills like counting and planning for the future.

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