KATHMANDU: A nationwide campaign against animal sacrifice during the Bada Dashain festival has been launched. As many as 28 social organisations including Nawajeevan Paropakar Society, Manab Kalyan Society, Baudhha Ningma Sangh, and Shree Krishna Pranami Youth Council have come together to drive this campaign in all 77 districts.

As stated by Nawajeevan Paropakar Society chair Durganath Dahal, under the campaign, demand has been made for putting an end to the culture of animal sacrifice at shrines of Hindu deities and the Kotghars(altars) during the Dashain festival. 'All the religious texts have advised the people to have feelings of compassion and love towards animals,' he added.

The campaigners have already submitted a memorandum to Chief District Officers of all 77 districts, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and party offices of major political parties, seeking an end to ritualistic animal sacrifices.

The memorandum states that killing of innocent animals in the name of religions is an act of cowardice and rights of all to life must be guaranteed.

Nepali cine artist Nikhil Upreti is one of the participants of the campaign who described animal slaughter during the Dashain festival a 'cultural taboo'.