Despite the wrath of animal rights activists and voluntary organizations, animal sacrifice is still prevalent in many parts of the world, often masquerading in the guise of religious worship.

Animal rights activists have been demanding stricter laws prohibiting the practice. However, no significant change has been seen so far and innocent animals are sacrificed in order that humans may appease whatever particular god or goddess they wish to - talk about blind faith!

Here are some pictures of animal sacrifices in Nepal, during a religious festival called Dasain.

Sliced heads of water buffalos are seen lying on the ground after being sacrificed during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu
Sliced heads of water buffalos are seen lying on the ground after being sacrificed during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu October 5, 2011. Hindus in Nepal sacrificed animals during the festival as part of celebrations held throughout the country, worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating the victory over evil. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
A man carries in a shopping bag ducks to be sacrificed at a livestock market in Kathmandu
A man carries in a shopping bag ducks to be sacrificed at a livestock market in Kathmandu October 3, 2011. The Hindu festival of Navaratri, also known as the Dasain festival, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Hindus will also offer sacrificial animals during the festival. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
A Hindu man slaughters a water buffalo at a sacrificial ceremony during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu
A Hindu man prepares to slaughter a water buffalo at a sacrificial ceremony during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu October 5, 2011. Hindus in Nepal sacrificed animals during the festival as part of celebrations held throughout the country, worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating the victory over evil. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
indus prepare a goat for sacrifice during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu
Hindus prepare a goat for sacrifice during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu October 5, 2011. Hindus in Nepal sacrificed animals during the festival as part of celebrations held throughout the country, worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating the victory over evil. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
The head of a goat is placed in front of a car as an offering after being sacrificed during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu
The head of a goat is placed in front of a car as an offering after being sacrificed during the Dasain festival in Kathmandu October 5, 2011. It is believed that by offering sacrifices to the vehicles during this day, accidents and bad luck can be prevented. Hindus in Nepal sacrificed animals during the festival as part of celebrations held throughout the country, worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating the victory over evil. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
Devotees sacrifice a buffalo calf as part of a ritual during the Durga Puja festival in Agartala
Devotees sacrifice a buffalo calf as part of a ritual during the Durga Puja festival in Agartala, capital of India's northeastern state of Tripura October 5, 2011. The festival is one of the most popular for Bengali Hindus, who believe that the goddess Durga symbolises power and the triumph of good over evil. REUTERS/Jayanta Dey
Hindu devotees sever a buffalo calf039s head as part of a sacrifice, during the 039Durga Puja039 religious festival in Netrokona
Hindu devotees sever a buffalo calf's head as part of a sacrifice, during the 'Durga Puja' religious festival in Netrokona October 5, 2011. The festival is one of the most popular for Bengali Hindus, who believe that the goddess Durga symbolises power and the triumph of good over evil. REUTERS/Andrew Biraj
Religion