After Generations of Animal Sacrifice Nepal Is Butchering Coconuts and Squash

Nepal Festival Replaces Animal Slaughter

A Humane Change in Tradition

Less than five years ago animal charities heralded the end of animal sacrifice at a religious festival in Nepal. The Gadhimai festival, held every five years in the southern part of the country, was notorious for the mass slaughter of animals, primarily buffaloes and goats. In 2014, an estimated 200,000 animals were sacrificed, sparking outrage among animal rights groups.

However, in a significant shift, the organizers of the festival announced in 2015 that they would be phasing out animal sacrifice. The 2019 festival, which took place last month, marked the first time that no animals would be killed as part of the religious rituals.

Instead, the festival organizers have introduced a new tradition of sacrificing coconuts and squash. Devotees now offer these plant-based substitutes to the goddess Gadhimai, who is believed to protect animals and grant wishes.

The change has been met with praise from animal rights groups. PETA India, which has long campaigned against the animal sacrifices, said that the festival's transformation "is a victory for compassion and a step toward a more humane world." The group also noted that the use of plant-based sacrifices is a more environmentally sustainable practice.

The organizers of the festival said that they made the decision to end animal sacrifice after listening to the concerns of animal rights groups and considering the changing attitudes of the public. They also cited the practical challenges of transporting and slaughtering large numbers of animals.

The Humane Society International, which has also been working to reduce animal sacrifices in Nepal, said that the Gadhimai festival is an example of how traditions can evolve over time. "This is a historic moment that shows that it is possible to create meaningful change for animals," said Sangita Kadam, the group's director in Nepal.

The end of animal sacrifice at the Gadhimai festival is a significant victory for animal rights and a testament to the power of compassion. It is hoped that this change will inspire other religious festivals around the world to follow suit and adopt more humane practices.

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