Amidst protest from animal rights groups, artists, and spiritual leaders, Gadhimai Mela is being held ‘successfully’. More than 18000 buffalos were killed on the first day. It is told that the area is filled with blood and bodies of killed animals everywhere.

In the last effort to stop the inhuman ‘balee’ of animals, animal rights group went there to request the chief priest to stop the event. The priest played deaf ears. The local and central government didn’t take any steps to stop or minimize the killing in the event. The Chief of Police and other high ranking police officers went to the mela to offer their prayers. The Buddha Boy, who told that he will go there in person to stop the event, has disappeared.

The religious event is a perfect business opportunity for the organizers and the local people in the area. The 300-years-old mela organizers are expecting to raise NRs.140 million this year. Last time however, the mela could generate only NRs. 460 thousands. The low income was attributed to the Maoist civil war during the time.

It is very sad, such an event is being held with support from government and such a large number people.

There sure is a silver lining. In the previous years, such protests were unheard of. This year, many local and foreign media have covered the event and it is going to face much more criticism in future. The poll in the xnepali homepage shows 79% of votes against animal sacrifice.  Hopefully, next mela will be a ‘vegetarian’ one.

Let’s see a documentary on the Mela (Credits – mysansar, language – Nepali)

Part 1

Part 2