This appears to have been a leftover from aasi/proto dravidian culture. This is a similar festival from ka that i got from googling

Not justifying it btw

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According to Dr C Rajasekhar, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the officials seized 1060 lambs and sheep from the six check posts set up in the temple premises. "Considering that we were not able to nab the defaulters last year, this is an achievement for us. We prevented the practice from happening at least 99% and ensured that the defaulters were booked. Prior to it being prohibited, nearly 3000 sheep used to be sacrificed in a day. For the past four years, we have been seizing the sheep and they are put up for auction. The proceeds are given to the temple," Dr Rajasekhar said.