Stupas and Shrines · Etiquette

What is Gadhimai and should you visit?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 1 min read

The short answer

Gadhimai is a temple in Bara district known for a large festival held every five years, historically associated with mass animal sacrifice. Rules and practices have been contested and reduced, so most visitors choose other sites.

Key facts

Where
Bara district
Festival
Every five years
Issue
Animal sacrifice
Visit
Check status

How it works

  1. Check the festival yearIt is not annual.
  2. Know the controversyPublic debate continues.
  3. Ask localsFor current practice.
  4. Decide if it suits youIt can be distressing.
  5. Consider alternativesOther Devi temples.

Insider tip

If you go, check dates and current rules with local sources.

Avoid this

Do not visit if you are uncomfortable with sacrifice.

Related questions

When is the next festival?

Check recent news; it falls every five years.

Is it safe for tourists?

Crowds can be very large and intense.

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