Activists demand an end to thousands of animal sacrifices in Nepal
- The Gadhimai festival is a quinquennial religious event in Nepal marked by thousands of animal sacrifices.
- The last festival in 2019 saw about 250,000 animals slaughtered, sparking controversy over animal welfare.
- Activists and government officials continue to clash over the festival, which illustrates the tension between tradition and animal rights.
In southeastern Nepal, the Gadhimai festival occurs every five years and is considered one of the world's most infamous rituals due to its scale of animal sacrifice. The festival, which dates back centuries, involves the killing of thousands of animals, including goats and water buffalos, in a religious offering to the Hindu goddess Gadhimai, believed to grant power and prosperity in exchange for the sacrifice. The last festival was held in 2019, where around 250,000 animals were beheaded. This event has sparked significant backlash from animal rights activists and organizations like Humane Society International, who argue that the festival epitomizes animal cruelty and exploitation. Despite the censure, many locals view the event as a crucial aspect of their religious beliefs. Activists, including celebrities and animal welfare groups, have campaigned for the Nepalese government to intervene and protect animals from such practices. However, the government previously stated it would refrain from taking action out of respect for religious freedoms. The Supreme Court of India also took measures in 2014 to limit the transportation of animals to Nepal for the festival, highlighting international concerns around animal welfare. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the Gadhimai festival reflects a broader societal conflict between tradition, animal rights, and religious belief in the region.