30th September 2025, Kathmandu
Dashain in Nepal is closely linked with meat feasts, while Tihar leans more toward sweets like sel roti. For many, meat is a rich source of protein. Consumed in moderation and cooked properly, it benefits health.
Health Risks Meat Consumption
But during Dashain, overindulgence and improper preparation can lead to serious health risks—even death in extreme cases.
Red Meat and Health Concerns
Goat meat dominates Dashain kitchens, often served as kebabs, fried dishes, or cooked with internal organs and blood. Red meat, however, carries high cholesterol and fat. Excess intake raises blood pressure, burdens the heart, and increases the risk of heart disease. High salt levels in meat dishes further worsen the problem.
Doctors warn that overeating red meat spikes uric acid, causing gout and painful joint issues. Combined with alcohol and soft drinks, it can trigger holiday heart syndrome an irregular heartbeat that may progress to heart failure or even stroke.
When Meat Becomes Dangerous
Unbalanced diets during festivals can lead to emergencies. Blood pressure may suddenly rise to 180–200 mmHg, risking heart, eye, and brain damage. Old gallstones can flare up when fatty meat is consumed, causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes requiring emergency surgery.
Eating stale meat also poses a threat. Families often cook large amounts, refrigerate or store them, and reheat them over days. Such practices allow harmful bacteria to grow, leading to food poisoning and indigestion.
The Risks of Consuming Blood
Some households eat goat blood during Dashain. But raw or improperly cooked blood may contain harmful bacteria. Moreover, it is often prepared with excess salt and spices, amplifying health risks. Experts recommend avoiding such practices or at least ensuring thorough cooking.
Safe Meat Practices During Dashain
To enjoy meat safely during Dashain, experts suggest:
Eat fresh, well-cooked meat only.
Avoid excessive salt, fat, and oil.
Pair meat with vegetables, pulses, and salads.
Exercise regularly to aid digestion.
Avoid excessive alcohol and soft drinks.
Consume in moderation—small portions are safer.
Food, Lifestyle, and Long-Term Health
Nutrition directly shapes health. Overeating fatty, sugary, or junk food combined with low physical activity leads to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer. Worryingly, heart attacks among youth aged 20–25 are rising in Nepal, largely due to unhealthy diets.
The World Health Organization stresses balanced diets and active lifestyles to prevent such diseases. As cardiologist Dr. Prakash Raj Regmi explains, “What you eat defines your health. During Dashain, eat wisely so the festival remains a blessing, not a disaster.”