Visitors throng yak fair in Mustang

By Krishna Sharma,Mustang, Apr. 23: A large crowd has gathered in Ghattikhola, Thasang Rural Municipality-2, Mustang, for the annual fair of drinking fresh yak blood, which began on April 19 and will continue till April 28. 

People from various parts of the country, including Myagdi, Pokhara, Butwal and Kathmandu have travelled to Ghattikhola to participate in the odd fair. According to the organisers, the Himalayan Yak Nak Farming Sub-committee, around 200 people drink fresh yak blood daily at the fair. 

The event has attracted those dissatisfied with allopathic treatment. Many participants are staying for a week in Mustang’s hotels to consume yak meat and blood. The number of participants has been increasing each year because of the belief that fresh blood of the Himalayan cows helps cure ailments like cough, indigestion, joint pain, nerve issues and enhances sexual vitality. 

However, medical doctors have recommended that yak blood should be consumed only after boiling. 

Dr. Tejes Nepal, Chief Medical Superintendent at the Provincial Hospital in Mustang, said scientific research was needed to study the practice of drinking blood freshly drawn by slitting the Yak’s throat and collecting it directly in a glass. 

Dr. Nepal said that boiling the blood makes it free from pathogens.

He added that raw blood may contain toxic substances and thus should be boiled or properly cooked before consumption. 

Normally, the human body filters harmful toxins through the urinary system, but consuming contaminated animal blood directly increases the risk of infection. 

“Raw blood may carry external germs, so while respecting public beliefs, it is also essential to follow health advice,” said Dr. Nepal. 

In Nepal, there have been reports of kidney and other complications after people drank raw goat blood in the belief that it cured illnesses. 

Therefore, doctors suggest boiling, cooking or steaming yak's blood to kill germs before consuming it. Some individuals participating in the fair reportedly drank fresh blood up to 10 times. 

Considering the potential impact of parasites in raw yak blood on human health, Thasang Rural Municipality’s Livestock Service Branch has been providing free vaccinations and medicines to protect animals from various diseases.

According to veterinary doctor Rajan Shrestha of Thasang Rural Municipality, around 1,500 yaks from 25 sheds graze in Thasang’s pastures. 

Himalaya Yak Nak Farming Sub-Committee coordinator Buddhiratna Tulachan said that the event also helps support the locals through income generated from the fair.

Around 300 yaks from different groups were brought to the fair.