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Festival Dashai, Chaite Dashai; Durga Puja Asthami; Sacrifice

A sacrificed gourd and coconut are seen on the floor with knives around them in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 26, 2026. During the Navaratri festival, particularly on the eighth day, it is traditional in Nepal to sacrifice an animal; however, due to animal rights concerns, many people opt to sacrifice a vegetable, often a gourd. After the gourd is sacrificed, the coconut is taken as Prashad. The gourd is then cooked, and some people prepare a sweet dish from it. (Photo by Bibek Raj Giri/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13495731
Date Taken	25 March 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Bibek Raj Giri/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Bibek Raj Giri/NurPhoto

No People Kathmandu Nepal sacrificed gourd Ash Gourd Wax Gourd Winter Melon sacrificed coconut knives Navaratri festival eighth day animal sacrifice animal rights vegetable sacrifice gourd sacrifice Prashad cooking gourd sweet dish Bibek Raj Giri NurPhoto cultural tradition religious festival coconut offering alternative sacrifice ritual ceremonial traditional practices vegetable alternative celebration cultural heritage ethical concerns vegetarian offering spiritual observance.