Religious groups against violence during Gadhimai festival
UPENDRA LAMICHHANE
KALAIYA, Bara, Nov 12: Religious organizations took out a rally in Bara on Thursday urging devotees to offer fruits and vegetables to the deity during the Gadhimai festival, instead of sacrificing animals.
Hundreds of people participated in the rally that was organized by a Buddhist group campaigning for non-violence. Hindus, Buddhists, and members of Krishnapranami, Om Shanti and Baishnav religious groups participated in the rally.
Addressing the meeting, religious leaders said that bad practices continued as tradition must be discontinued. They clarified that they are not against religious tradition, but want protection of the lives of innocent animals.
The Gadhimai fair that is held every five years is slated for November 24 and 25 this year. Organizers of the fair say over 20,000 buffaloes, besides goats and birds will be sacrificed during the festival.
Tens of thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal attend the festival. Animal rights groups from in and outside the country, apart from Buddha boy Ram Bahadur Bomjan, have protested against the animal sacrifice. But organizers have completed preparations for the fair.
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Religious Groups Against Violence During Gadhimai Festival
Although non violence is a prerequisite for any religion worthy of respect, respect for life is a prerequisite of humanity. The monstruous massacre of non human animals and the senseless eating of sentient beings in Nepal and elsewhere in the world is a clear sign that ignorance, greed and cannibalism are on the rise and are tearing apart the last vestige of human conscience, and humanity itself.
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