Kathmandu, May 27, 2010 - AWNN is deeply saddened by the fact that despite its protests, countless animals were sacrificed today on Buddha Jyanti
Today the Rana clan alone during its annual Kul Puja sacrificed some 1000 goats at its Thapathali temple.
The Rana clan was one of the groups that received a letter from AWNN, requesting its members not to kill animals on Buddha's birthday. In a press release the network requested temples and clans to avoid blood sacrifices, claiming that "alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice." Buddha's birthday is widely celebrated in Nepal, by Hindus and Buddhists alike.
A day before the festival, members of AWNN put up a banner at the main gate of the Rana temple, saying "Let's End Animal Sacrifice and Let's Promote Vegetarian Offering Instead".
Recalls campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma: "Today when we entered the temple we were shocked to witness the killings of some 800-1000 goats. It is unbelievable to see so many innocent creatures being killed in the name of culture and worship. We returned home with a heavy heart."
Sharma was encouraged by the fact that every participant noticed the banner: "Those who sacrificed animals today at least know that there are many people within their own community who are against this tradition. I hope they will realize in time how inappropriate blood sacrifices are and that next time they will choose non violence offerings."