@ Ms Rana – Nice to know that "Sokrul, shredded beef fried in tempura batter, was soft and tender but a little dry." I must admit that you really do know how to describe the taste of beef (aka cow meat) even though majority of us, the Nepalese people, have a tongue that only knows nothing beyond the taste of Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari. For that, I give you props! However, as I was going through your wonderful piece, I couldn't help asking myself rather naively, "What happened to our beloved Sacred Bulls that once roamed freely on the lands surrounding Bouddha and Pashipatinath areas?" Then, I wondered once again, "Seriously, where have they disappeared?" Am I wrong in speculating where they would have gone? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if the bulls have turned into Sokrul, the delicious plate you eloquently talked about. But, I'm hoping and praying I'm wrong for thinking that way. 

@Beef Eater - Your comment is disgusting. I don't care what you eat: beef, chicken, pork... and I'm OK as long as you don't eat your own children! I'm a vegetarian and a devout Hindu, who strongly believes cow is a sacred animal. But it doesn't mean you have to believe in my religion. You are free to choose any religion or no religion; it's your prerogative.

 

Equally, you're entitled to do whatever makes you feel good as long as you don't disrespect my religion. In my comment above, I was expressing my concern about those bulls in Pashupatinath because they represented my cultural values and beliefs. My point was, in last two decades, the bulls of Pashupatinath have been disappearing at an alarming rate, and you hardly see them anymore.

 

I always wondered what happened to them and even suspected whether they quietly became the meal of some "Mlechha" people like you. Well, you confirmed my doubt. I tell you one thing: don't steal and slaughter our bulls. They were offered to Pashupatinath. Eat your own bulls, you thug!  

 

Secular or not, since the dawn of civilization, my country, Nepal, has always been a Hindu nation, and will remain so forever. You have problem with that? If you do, then why don't you pack your bag and go where you feel most welcomed.    

Ms Beef Eater – I see no point of arguing with you any further. Evidently, you are selfish and self-centered, and no surprise there that you advocate killing cows to put them out of misery. Only monsters have that kind of mentality. You are the kind who believes all living and non-living beings are there to serve your purpose. You foolishly believe you have the power to decide what stays and what goes because you think you are on top of the food chain. But I have news for you. Stop believing you can decide the fate of others. You are one of the living beings that call this planet home, and you are not above, you're (maybe) equal. Obviously, it makes no sense to convince you because you and I don't share the same values and beliefs. I'm a Hindu, and you... I have no idea what the heck you are. Your idea that only way to control strayed animals (cows), is by eating them is very repulsive. You are a pathetic person. Listen moron, you don't kill living beings just because they are suffering. Will you kill your sick, weak, old parents because they're suffering? I think you're a mindless person. You could very well be a product of Maoist Commies, those who introduced violence and killing an acceptable norm in our once peace loving country. Think differently, you Commie! Killing is not considered humane, it's a cruelty. Cruelty to people or animals has no place in civilized society. If there is a problem of strayed animals on the streets of Kathmandu, then appropriate action must be taken to find and punish their owners. You don't kill those animals, you help finding them find shelters! Why don't you tell your Commie government to set aside some grazing land for these animals so they stop wandering on the streets looking for food? Does it ring your bell? Huh? Have you ever wondered, like people, animals also get hungry. When there is no food, they also revolt. Just a common sense! Going back to my original point: Stop stealing bulls offered to Pashupatinath. Stop slaughtering them at night just because you love their flesh! Nepal is our sacred land and cows one of its rightful inhabitants. Don't ever forget that! May Lord Pashupatinath bless our land, always!