Cow dung cake over firewood

 

Cows are regarded as a holy animal in Nepal. These animals have high religious value in the Nepalese culture. From cow milk to urine, every products and byproducts have religious significance. Cows are basically rared for it's milk purpose. Some byproducts are utilized for religious purposes. Cows as a whole are also worshipped on several occasions like Tihar, and other holy functions. When religion meets the scientific findings, there comes synergistic effect. Let's focus on one of the by products of cow i.e. cow dung. Religious functions are incomplete without cow dung in Nepali Hindu culture. Cow manure is widely utilized in the field.

 

Since, we are talking about religion, Nepalese communities use firewood during cremation in large amount. People are reluctant to use other methods for cremation as they believe the Hindu scriptures encouraged using firewoods. Almost 2million kilograms of firewood around 20million value are used for cremation of the dead bodies in Aryaghat (cremation site) at Pashupatinath Temple (2018AD). With CoVid 19 outbreak, the firewood consumption rate has been increased too. Similarly, when we talk about use of firewood for household purposes, it is also widely prevalent in Nepal. In rural areas of Nepal, the monthly rate of firewood use is 2.08GJ/household per month which is higher in comparison to developed countries.

 

At the same time, many indigenous people of Terai communities have been using cow dung cake as the source of fuel replacing firewoods to greater extent. Some communities are using biogas too. If we could replace these firewoods use by biogas or cow dung cakes in household, the demand of firewood will get greatly reduced.

 

Researches have been carried out signifying the beneficial forms of cow dung cake over firewood. The important benefit of using cow dung over firewood is the conversion of harmful gases like methane into burning fuel. Having said that, we can't deny that the direct methane from cow dung do affects global warming by increasing carbon credit, however, cow dung cake use can be a way less than the carbon produce from burning firewood. Cow dung does have some disadvantages too, however due to religious factors, when we consider cow dung cakes, it has high environmental benefits over firewood.

 

Since, the use of cow dung is regarded auspicious in Nepali Hindu culture for last rites and rituals too. It makes easier for Nepalese communities to promote the use of cow dung cake over firewood. These cow's dung cakes have significant place in religious functions. The smoke from cow dung cakes is used as insect repellent. It's a fuel alternative to firewood. In many places, cow dung is often applied on the floor and walls of houses to waterproof the house. It also insulates the house from drastic heat entry or loss. The high fibre in cow dung also aids in preparing conventional papers. In India, people have started using cow dung cakes replacing firewood. About 400kg wood for one body goes to cremation. When cow dung cakes are used the sticks requirements is reduced to 70-80 kg.

 

Beef farming is against the law and religion in Nepal. So, only female cows are rared for production purpose, and male cows are left stranded. This is one of the reason because of which male cows and infertile or non-productive cows are found stranded at the the road side or in the jungle. Only if, culture of cow dung cakes is promoted, these male and infertile cows would also find home and can also be proved to be beneficial with their proper management. Commercialization of cow dung cakes has already been started in India and other developed countries.

 

In one hand, it prevents deforestation and on the other hand limits the release of harmful gases. This also maintains religious harmony. In nutshell, the use of cow dung cake will be one of the eco-friendly measure over firewood.