Religieuze groepen demonstreren in Bara (Nepal) tegen offering dieren tijdens Gadhimai festival - Fruit en groente moeten dieren vervangen....

Religious groups rally against Gadhimai animal

sacrifice

12-11-2009 UPENDRA LAMICCHANE, My Republica, Nepal


KALAIYA, Bara, Nov 12: Religious organizations took out a rally in Bara on Thursday and urged that fruits and vegetables be offered 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.

People ranging from children to the elderly rallied through Kalaiya bazaar. The rally later converted to a religious meeting. Addressing the meeting, several religious leaders said that bad practices continued as tradition should be stopped. 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, apart from goats and birds will be sacrificed during the festival.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal attend the festival believing that participating in the festival will fulfill their wishes. Animal rights groups 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.

(Bron: http://www.myrepublica.com/)