News

Slaughter fest condemned by activists

November 26, 2009 Edition 2

KATHMANDU: At least 15 000 buffalo and "countless" goats and birds were sacrificed in a temple in southern Nepal, organisers said yesterday, a ritual billed as the single biggest animal slaughter on Earth.

Hindus in Nepal routinely offer animals for sacrifice to appease deities, especially power goddesses, for good luck and prosperity.

But the festival, held every five years at the Gadhimai temple in southern Nepal, was condemned this year by animal rights activists, including French actress Brigitte Bardot. - Reuters