Controversy Surrounds Nepal's Gadhimai Festival and Its Mass Animal Sacrifice
Animal rights activists are urging the Nepali government to end the mass animal sacrifices at the Gadhimai festival, where thousands of buffaloes, goats, and pigeons are killed every five years. Despite a 2016 Supreme Court order to phase out the practice, activists claim not enough is being done. Efforts to reduce the slaughter include community awareness campaigns and offering monetary donations as alternatives to animal sacrifices. Activists have also worked with Indian authorities to intercept animals being transported for sacrifice, saving over 750 animals this year.