Gadhimai Mahotsav
The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years in Bariyarpur, Nepal, is a culturally significant yet controversial festival known for mass animal sacrifices. The 2024 event, attended by over two crore people, included rituals, sports, and food stalls alongside the sacrifices. Despite Nepal’s 2019 ban on animal sacrifices, enforcement is lax, allowing the practice to continue discreetly. The festival contributes to local tourism and economy but faces global criticism from animal rights groups like Humane Society International. Rooted in a 600-year-old tradition, the festival exemplifies the tension between cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and modern ethical standards.
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