Gadhimai
The Gadhimai Festival is a significant religious event held in Bara District, Nepal, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Gadhimai. It occurs every five years and attracts thousands of devotees who come to worship and participate in various rituals. The festival is known for its large-scale animal sacrifices, primarily of goats, buffaloes, and chickens, which are offered to the goddess in hopes of receiving blessings.
The festival has drawn international attention and criticism due to the mass slaughter of animals. In 2015, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered a ban on animal sacrifices, leading to a reduction in the number of animals killed during the festival. Despite this, the Gadhimai Festival remains a deeply rooted cultural and religious tradition for many in the region.