Animal rights activists have urged the Nepali government to stop what they’ve called “an appalling bloodbath” after they claimed thousands of animals were killed as part of a festival held every five years that traditionally ends with a mass animal sacrifice.

Activists and government officials have raised concerns about the ritualistic slaughter of thousands of animals at the temple in Nepal.

The activists called the sacrifices at Gadhimai temple in Bara district an "appalling bloodbath" as thousands of animals — buffaloes, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and rats — were slaughtered to appease Gadhimai, the Hindu goddess of power, over two days, starting Dec. 8.

Activists estimate as many as 500,000 animals will be sacrificed at Nepal’s Gadhimai Temple this week to honour the Hindu goddess of power.

As Nepal's Gadhimai festival witnesses a mass animal sacrifice, over 700 buffaloes, goats, and pigeons are saved thanks to animal groups and border police. Despite the brutal ritual, efforts to protect animals shine a light on the ongoing fight against animal cruelty.

Blood oozed across the dry, dusty earth as the high priest of Gadhimai raised his traditional khukuri knife and beheaded the five animals before him, triggering a frenzy of killing in the early hours of a foggy Sunday morning.