Kathmandu: Nepal has launched a major
campaign to stop animal sacrifice at a famous temple ahead of
the Hindu festival Vijaya Dashami.
"I don't want animal blood, I am happy with fruits and
vegetables. So please offer me vegetarian sacrifice," said a
scene from a drama performed at the famous Bhagwati temple by
a group of activists in front of hundreds of devotees who were
worshipping at the temple.
The campaign was launched by Animal Welfare Network Nepal
(AWNN) which has started five year campaign against animal
sacrifice.
After the play, some 50 devotees offered pumpkins.
It is yet to be seen whether the play will have any
effect in the general public as the country is observing nine
day festival Dashain or Vijaya Dashami starting from Friday.
ANWNN has also urged the president, prime minister, Nepal
Army and Nepal Police to halt state funded animal sacrifice
during Dashain.
Last year, thousands of animals and birds were sacrificed
in Gadhimai Temple in southern Nepal's Bara district despite
protest by animal rights groups.
PTI
First Published: Friday, October 08, 2010, 16:13