Kathmandu: Animal rights activists, vegans, and compassionate citizens gathered at Dharma Chakra Park (Bhagwan Pau Park), Swoyambhu, on 6 June to observe National Animal Rights Day (NARD).
Organized by Animal Save Nepal alongside a collective of animal lovers, the event brought the community together to commemorate, celebrate, and educate the public through a peaceful public march, a solemn memorial, and an interactive celebration.
The day commenced with a peaceful and silent advocacy march from the Swoyambhu gate to Bhagwan Pau Park. Moving in unified solidarity, activists and allies marched to raise public awareness about animal suffering and to demand systemic legal protection and dignity for all non-human animals.
Upon reaching the main venue, the event program directly addressed the core global objectives of NARD:
Commemorate: A heartfelt memorial was held for all animals who have died at the hands of humans. The ceremony included two minutes of silence, storytelling, lighting of diyo, and the offering of flowers in their honour.
Educate: Outreach teams actively engaged with the public to raise awareness about ongoing animal exploitation and to promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Celebrate: The event also celebrated the progress of the animal rights movement in Nepal, including the establishment of more vegan restaurants, increased awareness, and legislative efforts to prevent animal cruelty.
The event was formally hosted by Author and Animal Liberation Activist Raghu Aditya alongside Young Youth Activist Aashish Sapkota, who guided the audience through a powerful and deeply moving program. Participants engaged in heartfelt performances, sharing stories and poems that highlighted the cruelty faced by animals. The Declaration of Animal Rights was read aloud, and attendees were invited to sign and commit to a compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle.
Transitioning from remembrance to hope, the Celebration Phase highlights the tangible progress of the animal rights movement in Nepal. The program includes keynote insights, powerful speeches from guest advocates like Journalist Prakash Azat, Actress Sarita Rajopadhyaya, Activist Bhaskar Joshi, and live acoustic performances.
The event culminates in a grand, interactive crowd performance of the Kranti Song as the entire gathering lends its voices before capturing a community-wide group photograph. The event celebrated major progress in the global and local animal rights movement, from the rise of vegan restaurants and animal sanctuaries to growing public awareness and legal actions against animal cruelty.
Vegan food tasting, inspiring speeches, and engaging performances made the event both powerful and participatory.The event was made possible through individual community donors and the generous support of local vegan businesses, including Loving Heart Vegan Restaurant.
“This is the sixth year of hosting National Animal Rights Day, and this gathering helps us promote a cruelty-free lifestyle while also honouring the lives that have been lost,” says Dipesh Shrestha, organizer at Animal Save Nepal. “Each voice raised today echoes the call for dignity, rights, and liberation for all beings.”
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