Peacock Feather Row: Jain Community Slams Maneka Gandhi Over 'Picchis' Remark, PETA Backs Her

Last Updated:July 05, 2026, 21:28 IST

Last week, Gandhi claimed the commercial demand for peacock feathers had led to the deaths of lakhs of peacocks.

A row has erupted after former Union minister Maneka Gandhi urged the Jain community to stop using picchis, the sacred brooms made from peacock feathers, arguing that the practice encourages the illegal trade in peacock feathers.

The remarks drew sharp criticism from members of the Jain community, who described her allegations as “completely wrong" and said complaints have been filed against her in several parts of the country.

Jain Community Rejects Allegations

They maintained that Jainism is founded on the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and that harming peacocks or any other living being is contrary to the religion’s core beliefs.

A picchi is a handheld broom used mainly by Digambara Jain monks to gently move insects out of their path to avoid causing harm.

Last week, Gandhi claimed the commercial demand for peacock feathers had led to the deaths of lakhs of peacocks. “I am not saying that the Jain community killed the peacocks. But they opened the door. And once the door opens… 15-25 lakh peacocks have died," she said, according to a PTI report.

Appealing to Jain monks to adopt alternatives, Gandhi added, “The Shwetambar Jains also keep a picchis, but theirs is made of rope. There is less violence in that because it is not made from animals." She further claimed, “This feather does not drop on its own… In a month, one feather falls."

Responding to her remarks, Vishwa Jain Sangathan National President Sanjay Jain said it was unfair to blame the Jain community alone, pointing out that peacock feathers are widely used in folk dances and cultural traditions.

“To say that peacocks are being killed because of the Jain community is completely wrong," he said, adding that the organisation has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

PETA Backs Call For Non-Animal Alternatives

Meanwhile, PETA India supported Gandhi’s concerns, saying demand for peacock feathers fuels exploitation. “The safest and kindest choice is to avoid using peacock feathers altogether and instead use humane, non-animal alternatives," PETA India said.

About the Author

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More

News india Peacock Feather Row: Jain Community Slams Maneka Gandhi Over 'Picchis' Remark, PETA Backs Her

Read More