But beneath this layer of piety lies a troubling contradiction

Illustration/Devdutt Pattanaik

In Hindu mythology, the pigeon is more than just a bird. It is described as the vahana, or mount, of Rati-devi, the goddess of erotic arts and the consort of Kama-deva, the god of love and lust. Maybe that is the reason why many people in Mumbai feel feeding pigeons grants them good luck. These pious folks can be seen scattering grains around temples, housing societies, crossroads and street corners. But beneath this layer of piety lies a troubling contradiction.

The same people who feed pigeons in public cover their balconies and their temples with nets to keep the birds away. No one likes pigeon poop in their private and sacred spaces. Birds get trapped in these nets and die. 

Also when pigeons breed in large numbers,........

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