Animal rights activists cracked open coconuts at the Bhadrakali temple in Kathmandu on Saturday protesting mass killing of animals during festivals. “We want to show that religious activities can be carried out without causing harm to animals,” said Manoj Gautam of the Animal Welfare Network Nepal, which organised the rally to protest against the upcoming Gadhimai festival.
Gautam, along with around 50 people, gathered at the temple and chanted slogans against the mass animal slaughter. More than 500,000 animals will be sacrificed within a span of two days at the Gadhimai temple next month, making it the largest animal sacrifice in the world.
Gautam said similar protests against animal slaughter was carried out in 24 countries, including India, with support from various organisations like Compassion in World Farming, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and People for Animals.
In London, British actress Joanna Lumley led campaigners to the Nepali Embassy to hand over a petition with around 80,000 signatures. They demanded that the festival be discontinued and urged the Nepal government to stop supporting it. Lumley, an ambassador for the Compassion in World Farming, is known for her support for Gurkhas. “I love Nepal–both the land and its people. The Gadhimai animal sacrifice entails horrendous animal suffering and is a complete anomaly in this wonderful country,” said Lumley, according to a press release.
Thousands of people will flock to Gadhimai in Bara to attend the month-long event and sacrifice animals with the belief that doing so will appease Goddess Gadhimai and bring prosperity.
“Last time we were just starting as an organisation. But we are more experienced now and will do our best to stop the practice,” he said.
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