Fixed deposit fund set up to feed cows

By Radhakrishna Dumre

Waling, Nov. 6: A fixed deposit fund has been established to support the sustainable management of the Dhuni Shivalaya Gaushala, a cow shelter, in Kafaldanda, Walling Municipality-8, Syangja.

The gaushala, which houses around 150 cows, was set up to protect and manage stray cattle. 

Rs. 8.1 million collected from a Maha Yagya (The Devi Bhagawat recitation ceremony) in 2022 has been placed in this fund, with plans to increase it to at least Rs. 10 million, according to Dilip Pratap Khand, former mayor of Walling Municipality.

“There is a plan to grow the gaushala’s renewable fund through donors and religious programmes,” Khand said, noting that the fund will help ensure the sustainable protection of the cows.

Kamal Prasad Subedi, chairman of the gaushala, stated that a “one person, one cow” system has been arranged, ensuring regular feed and care for each cow. 

He added that, as households increasingly avoid keeping cows, the gaushala provides an alternative for their cow protection.

Meanwhile, Gai Puja, celebrated on the fourth day of the Tihar festival, was observed collectively at the gaushala. 

During the ceremony, Pandit Netra Prasad Parajuli emphasised the value of cows, describing what they provide as “like nectar.” 

Similarly, Rs. 31,000 collected by Nepalis working in Dubai has also been contributed to the gaushala. 

Parajuli informed that the amount has been added to the fixed fund for cow shelter management.