Thousands of animals sacrificed in Nepal Hindu ritual amid disagreement

Tens of thousands of religious Hindus crowded a temple in southern Nepal where thousands of animals and birds were sacrificed this week. The ceremony is believed to be the largest such mass-slaughter event in the world and animal rights activists have been campaigning to end the practice for years. In 2016, Nepal's Supreme Court said the practice should be prohibited, and it called on the government to frame a law that would gradually bring an end to the sacrifices. Local authorities said fewer animals were sacrificed this year compared with five years ago due to awareness campaigns. Devotees believe the sacrifice, meant to appease - an avatar of the Hindu goddess of power, Kali - brings them luck and prosperity.

The heads of the sacrificed animals are buried in huge pits and hides and skins are often sold to traders. Some of the local communities also take the dead animals away for meat. About 80% of Nepal's 30 million population are Hindus and many sacrifice animals to appease deities during festivals. Thousands of devotees also travel from India to sacrifice animals at the festival.