Kendrapada: For over two centuries, villagers in coastal Kendrapada district have upheld a unique tradition of releasing roosters at Ma Ramachandi temple in Ramanagar, seeking protection from natural disasters and snakebites.
The ritual is especially significant for marine fishermen in Mahakalapada block, who believe the Goddess shields them from cyclones and storms.

“This tradition has been our way of seeking the Goddess’s protection for generations,” says Narayan Haldar, former sarpanch of Kharinashi gram panchayat.
The temple’s significance has grown among locals who fish and catch crabs in the dense mangrove forests, where venomous snakes like King Cobras and kraits are common. “Many devotees release roosters to seek protection from snakebites,” he added.
Bijaya Shuklya, panchayat samiti member of Ramnagar, notes that hundreds of devotees offer milk, banana and sugar alongside the rooster release ritual. The practice has personal significance for many, like Bipin Ojha from Bagakarapur village, who recently released a rooster after his granddaughter recovered from fever.
Historically, villagers released Grey and Red Junglefowl, but the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 banned this practice. “People now only release domestic roosters,” said Sudhanshu Parida, secretary of the district’s People for Animals unit.
Unlike other temples where animal sacrifice is common, the Ma Ramachandi temple prohibits the practice. “We only practice the release of roosters, never sacrifice those,” emphasizes Adikanda Panda, a temple priest.