Edith Hejberg
For many Indians, feeding pigeons isn’t just a pastime, it’s a deeply rooted religious and cultural act.
A new law banning the feeding of pigeons in Mumbai has ignited a heated debate across the city.
The controversy goes far beyond birdseed, touching on questions of religion, tradition, and public health.
Feeding Birds or Honoring Beliefs?
For many Indians, feeding pigeons isn’t just a pastime, it’s a deeply rooted religious and cultural act.
Among Jain communities, it is seen as a sacred ritual tied to principles of non-violence and compassion.
A Popular but Polarising Practice
Pigeon feeding is widespread in Indian cities, often taking place in designated public spaces known as “kabutarkhanas.” These spots have long been hubs for communal activity, especially among the devout and the elderly.
Health Officials Raise Red Flags
Indian health authorities, however, view the practice as a public health concern.
Exposure to pigeon droppings, they warn, can lead to respiratory illnesses and lung infections. The birds are also considered a threat to biodiversity due to their invasive nature.
The Law Comes Down Hard
Authorities in Mumbai have begun enforcing the ban in earnest.
Police have shut down several kabutarkhanas and issued warnings to those caught feeding pigeons in public areas.
Protests Erupt Across the City
The new measures haven’t gone down quietly. In August, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, clashing with police in violent protests against the feeding ban.
At least 15 people were arrested during the unrest.
Demonstrators Tear Down Police Barriers
Some protesters dismantled tarpaulins placed over feeding areas by police, while others vowed to go on an indefinite hunger strike unless the ban was lifted.
The confrontations have made national headlines.
Cultural Clashes at Kabutarkhanas
The protests are centered around traditional feeding grounds, kabutarkhanas, which now lie at the heart of the conflict.
Once bustling community sites, many of them have been cordoned off or shuttered entirely.
A Symbolic Battle for Public Space
For activists and religious groups, the closures represent more than just a legal restriction, they symbolize a loss of cultural identity and autonomy in public life.
Meanwhile, authorities argue it’s a matter of public safety.
