Hurray! Nepal Is A Secular Country
UWB Photo blog by Shruti Shrestha
Yes, amendments must be made in general knowledge books around the world. The world’s only Hindu Kingdom is a history now and people of Nepal, that country, are happy! Hindus are happy, Buddhists are happy, Muslims are happy, Christians are happy, people from different ethnic communities in Nepal are happy. As the parliament passed a historic resolution making Nepal a secular nation, celebrations started on the main street in front of Singha Durbar, the administrative center of Nepal, where parliament is located.
Look Who Is Smiling?
You can’t hide a smile: A Nepali woman from ethnic community smiles as she watches people celebrating in front of Singha Durbar after the parliament passed a historic resolution making Nepal a secular country.
People took out rally in front of Singha Durbar celebrating the secularism in Nepal
Making Their Voice Heard
Earlier in the day hundreds of people, many of them associated with different ethnic community, gathered in front of Singha Durbar with banners to pressurize the government to declare Nepal a secular country.
People putting flags over the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah that was vandalized a day before while protesting against the government and parliament’s slow speed in declaring the parliament a supreme organization.
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Comments
321 responses to “No Religious Kingdom: Celebrating Secularism in Nepal”
It’s going to be sort of strange not referring to Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom. But Nepal has a lot of different ethnicities who practice different religions. So for Nepal to be truly democractic it only makes sense for it to be secular.
I wonder how long it will be a ‘kingdom’?
Hurrah!
Long live the secular, free, equal democratic (republic?) of Nepal! These are days of some greatness!
Secularism is the best thing ever happened to Nepal, it was long overdue.
How can one traslate the name of the government in English ? Nepal Government or Government of Nepal or Nepalese Government ?
Some other names to be changed :
Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation
RONAST
Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Bardia National Park
Royal Suklaphant Wildlife Reserve…
got some more ?
Government of Nepal sounds just fine. Also no more official prayers to Lord Pashupatinath (or Kirateshwar as we Kirats call him)!
Royal Stag whiskey..it should be referred to as Nepal Stag now. lol
I don’t think referring to Nepal as a secular Kingdom will be strange. What used to be strange was whenever we introduce our country to tourists we say “Nepal where Lord Gautam Buddha was born and it is only Hindu country in the world”. That didn’t used to make any sense.
NOw i think every religion, ethnic groups will be happy except some extremist Hindu like BJP in india.
So, Now that Nepal is no longer a hindu nation, does that mean that cow can be slaughtered openly ?
Good question DA and good point Better Nepal. I am quite fond of beef! Big Mac!
Two years from now there will be a violent movement to make Nepal again a Hindu country. Just like the Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal and the VHP, there will be similar outfits in Nepal also. India is secular because it has Hindus in the majority. Nepal was secular because Hindus here are tolerent. Now, I doubt whether HIndus will remain tolerant when cows will be slaughtered in their neighborhood.
sajana really? So democracy goes out of the window when religious bias walks in through the door? Ofcourse being secular doesn’t mean being anti-Hindu, I am sure you understand that? It only relfects the fact that the Nepali people practice different religions and are free to do so.
I found this report intereting: Lets go and rally around.
“Victory rallies” around the country, Demo outside Singha Durbar
Reports say supporters of the Seven Party Alliance have taken out “victory rallies” in various parts of the country welcoming the “historic” proclamation passed by the House of Representatives that has drastically curtailed royal powers and brought the army—for the first time in the country’s history—under the control of the legislature, among others.
Rallies have been taken out in Kathmandu, Bara, Sarlahi, Dolakha and Baglung districts, among others. People came out to the streets, greeted each other and chanted pro-democracy slogans.
People could be soon glued to their radio and TV sets as the state-run Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Kantipur TV and a number of F. M. radio stations carried live the proceedings of the reinstated House of Representatives from Singha Durbar Thursday afternoon.
In front of Singha Durbar – the main government secretariat– despite fresh ban imposed by the local administration over procession, gherao, meetings, sit-in etc., hundreds of people gathered near the statue of late King Prithvi Narayan Shah in order to draw the attention of lawmakers who were meeting inside the House of Representatives.
People representing various indigenous groups, unions, institutions and the civil society were present during the demonstration cautioning political parties not to betray the spirit of the people’s movement 2006.
Addressing the public gathering in front of the West Gate of Singha Durbar—a restricted area– leader of the pro-Maoist student body, ANNFSU (Revolutionary), Lekhnath Neupane, challenged the present government not to undermine the Maoist contribution in restoring citizen’s rights in the country. “ If the present government fails to address the people’s sentiment then they will have to face unforeseen consequences,” he warned.
Neupane said the government should immediately address the issue of hundreds of captured and missing Maoist cadres who played important role in the people’s movement. He also demanded that the parliament should not spare a single moment on declaring country a secular state.
Women’s rights activist, Dr. Renu Raj Bhandari, warned the current government not to repeat the same mistake made by all the previous government of denying women from their basic rights and not granting them appropriate opportunity in decision making.
Interestingly, the gathered crowd took no time to shoo away as soon as the news of country being declared the secular state flashed out of the parliament. A leader of the civil society movement, Malla K Sunder, announced the news for the gathered public outside Singha Durbar.
Talking to Nepalnews after the declaration of the country as a secular state, one of the members of the indigenous communities, Dandu Sherpa, said that the declaration was just a first step towards a democratic Nepal based on equality.
The participants were euphoric as soon as they heard about the HoR proclamation that made sweeping changes in the country’s constitution.
In the west, I can go to any church while my girlfriend cant go to Pashupatinath as she is not hindu.
THIS IS NOT FAIR. There should be introduction fee and everyone should be able to go to the temple.
I wouldn’t want a cow slaughetered in my neighbourhood, that will surely offend millions of hindu living in nepal. Though we have become a secular country but we cannot forget our tradition and values.But we should also be aware of groups like Shiv sena , bajrang Dal of indya who have shown there presensce in nepal too. They will certainly not accept this secular movement.Since king of nepal is also considerded as leader of whole hindus of world so these groups will really try to create some disturbance in nepal as they have been doing for ages. We nepalese are happy that nepal is a Secular state. Hindus in nepal are tolarant but indians are not. They will not accept it. They fill like Nepal must be hindu state because it will be in indya’s favour. Indian government have always supported King, they will surely have problem accpeting Maoist. We may have won battle inside our country but we have a long way to keep indya away from our intenal matter. Even though Indya is considered our big brother but they have no right to put there nose in our matter. Most Indians think that all this revolution of nepal was planned by ISI of pakistan to make nepal a secular state so that they can overthrow indian hindu mentality. These people are really some kind of idiots. We have to beware of these groups too… And lastly I dont want religious conflicts in Nepal.We have seen lots of war. Let peace be on Nepal.
Jai nepal
I am a Muslim please dont take my comment in any wrong sense. I am a nepali first then a Muslim
Well people, how about 90 % of people those who practice vedic culture, values and norm. Girija is one of devil of Nepal since early 1990.
Just await few month, Bihari will enter your home and celebrate in your house.
Some thoughts on secularism:
I am a proud Hindu but never liked the idea of declaring the country a Hindu kingdom. I have equal respect to all other faiths and I feel near to god while respecting other religion.
What we have best in Nepal is religious harmony. So instead of talking about allowining the killing of cow, I say, lets ban all killings restricted by all religions that are practiced in Nepal.
We have to be extra careful about ultra-religious Hindu and Muslim organizations. We have to be careful about Christian missionaries. No religious transformation, at leat not forcefully or by using money.
Religion is a private thing and lets practice it privately. Lets not show it. After all, we have just become secular.
Good on you Tajim. A Nepali before a Muslim! You are a true Nepali!
I am afraid for some people the meaning of true democracy is now finally sinking in. I hope your faith in democracy is not shaken by any religious bigotry. Secularism means that there will be no bias against any religion and that there will be no state (endorsed)religion. In the eyes of the state all religions will be equal. Please remember democracy is not just for you but for all the people.
Foreigners can come to Buddhist Monastory and Bihar. There are some sacred temples where other people (foreigners)should not be allowed even in some places i am not allowed to go in my family AANGAN Temple and look particular god.
Slaughtering cow i am not sure. Most of the population in the world eats cow it should be done in particular place slaughtering house. We can easily buy beef in departmental stores so its not a big deal.
Extremist groups like shiva sena, bajrang dal etc should be banned from Nepal. It doesnt favour our country.
What about eating dog meat or are dogs sacred, I think in some countries people do.
In some cases people it meat of its own kind.
Religion nowadays is replaced by media, politics and business, but we are moving towards the global village where everybody eats what is fashion, the high priests are todays heroes, we are manipulated by the media.
People in india of Nagaland, Manipur eat dog. Many Nepali students who goes to study there tastes dog meat. According to them it is very delicious more than chicken and even expensive.
Yes Tajim, you are a true Nepali.
Talking about secularism, the time will tell how people are going to practise it in Nepal. It seems like people have impression that it gives the freedom to practise for all kind of religion. That is wrong as I believe secularism actually holds all religion in contempt instead of presenting freedom of religion. Take an example of France, look at the controversy it had faced. Are we ready to move to that level ?
We have just got rid of ‘Hindu’ label, there are still many things to be done, then we can proudly claim that Nepal is a secular state. Hope is still alive : )
I dont understand one thing why there is a fuss over this secular thing. Yes we have got it. Now leave that issue. We have lots of things more to do. We have to take nepal to height of liberalisation and economic development. We have to end all conflicts in nepal and start from scratch. its a dunting task and we have to start it right now. We have to show whole world specially indya that nepal is not just land of bahadurs. We are more than that. We need to have start as soon as possible.
Not only shiva sena, but any groups which have strong religious backgrounds, no matter which, should be banned.
Wholeheartedly agree with you again Tajim. Yeah let’s move on. I want to see the Maobadi’s come out with a declaration that they will surrender all their arms as soon as they conclude successful peace talks with the present govt. They must surrender their arms before elections to the CA.
Kirat,
they are not going to surrender their arms.
Their aim is to be the part of Nepal Army and I guess they are working on this instead.
They can be a part of Nepal Army. That’s fine. But before they are integrated into the Nepal Army they must surrender their arms. This must be insisted on. Let them go through a re-education program too so that their loyalties are no longer with Badal but with the Parliament. Any elections to the CA without a Maoists arms surrender will be a farce. You know that.
I’ve be watching this for some time. Personally this king should be removed from his place and set on the low. Killing his family for power know he will be stripped of his power GOOD FOR YOU NEPAL. The Sad part is good kings will come along and have no power even when its just. Killing is not just. I hope that your nation becomes a good and successful one, but war and violence will not solve anything. Freedom of protest, Freedom of speech do come at a price, sometimes you lose both. But make sure you use it for good. Work together don’t follow other countries ways, they just lead to a chaos. Be dependant, find ways to improve your culture. Hindu leave it Hindu, Christian and muslins lol well look at there nations that speaks for itself. Im not Hindu but i admire some of the teachings, make your laws foundation based on honesty, truth, morality, working together. Don’t let corrupt leaders ruin your lives with there false promises, making laws that are more for there benefit then the peoples. They start to show get them out.
The power of democracy isn’t about control its having the power within yourself to make a change for the better, to make way for the future and making it safe for your children and so forth. Some countries fall very very short of this. America may have democracy but do they really, as I’ve lived here born and raised i really don’t have freedom, i would want freedom from governments controlling every action and purchase i do and make. True freedom is about doing good, not freedom to do bad, when you do good and become a good people freedom will flourish. GOOD LUCK NEPAL —LOVE Michael
oye kirat! ubiquitous, omniscient and the great commenter…
ma tero tarka sunera dikka vaisake…with that know all attitude…for once shut your trap. go away from computer, do something real rather than stick your a-ss on the computer and puke those lame arguments…no we won’t miss you…
ugra_pundit, no need to read my comments if you can’t stomach the truth. No one is forcing you mate.
don’t get happy…I am not reading them, it is like ‘aachi’ all around littered by you..so you see I have to hope around so that i don’t step on them…so it is pretty inconvienient….
well ugra_pundit if you can’t counter my logic I guess a ‘pundit’ like you can only resort to the mumbo jumbo crap like your two previous posts. Not happy that Nepal is now secular? Well you can’t have your cake and eat it too! I would rather that you challenge me intellectually than crap from the wrong end like you are.
You say you are ‘pundit’ I am a Kirat. Let’s see what you are made of intellectually. Put up or shut up!
ghengis khan of kirats! do not shove words in my mouth. i haven’t said a word about secularism in Nepal yet. so do not presume my standing on it.
well regarding challenging intellectual, whatever that means I give in. I bow down to your superior intelligence.
such an ego centric cry baby…let’s duel intellectually….rather let’s see whose winnie is bigger yours or mine…
ugra_pundit, this blog is for political/social/cultural discussions on Nepal. Since you are only interested in attacking me as a person I will henceforth ignore you because it seems you are just a petty idiot. So long!
Both you guys stop fighting !! Lets not get into caste hassle just when Nepal has been declared a secular state.
By the way, Tajim, I would want beef in Nepal. Its scientifically proven to be very nutrious. Just because Hindus dont eat them doesnt mean we cannot slaughter beef. I am a Limbu (Angbuhang) who is not even supposed to touch pork. Should I demand that pork should not be slaughtered in Nepal? Or should Rais demand that mutton should not be slaughtered? By the way I love pork and beef. I want both of them in Nepal.
Kirat – why dont you look at my answer to your comment in the post “Recovering From The Jana Andolan Atrocities”. You sure dont know your shit at times, it sounds.
Now you talk sense. I admit all my previous entries were out right stupid and childish. If I were you I would have ignored it the first time and not engaged at all. But no it was your ego: who is the superior of all? If you are intellectually compentent good for you. I have nothing to do with your degree of intelligence rahter I am happy we have intelligent Nepali youth. So tone down a litte, brother, no one is here to show case his/her intelligence and you are not going to get any medal for it.
Nepal becoming a secular state is a good indication that we are finally practising pluraism.
Nepal becoming a secular state does not mean that Hindusim will disappear. Hindusim is a way of life in Nepal. Most of the people are Hindus and will practise Hinduism. This will keep on going forever. There should be no doubt about that.
It was necessary for Nepal to be a secular state as the king derived the power from the religion as a Hindu king–an avatar of Vishnu. The king is a mere mortal like us. He is just a human being not a god.
It is time now for us to translate the sutras and shastras from Sanskrit into vernacular languages so that anyone can read, study &/or interpret religion.
Brahmins alone should not have the power to interpret religion. Every practising Hindu should have the ability to perform rites and interpret religion which will make it even more vibrant.
OK. I might have a big ego…and a short temper. But are you telling me to act dumb? I am only human…I will react to people who attack me, like you did. This is a blog where I can be anynomous and say what I want…I won’t call you stupid in real life even if you were. Is it really necessary for me to pretend here too? Man, that’s a real downer. Anyway peace with you ugra_pundit. I gotta sleep now.
Secular State was the best ever addition in the proclamation. We Limbus are ready to contribute to the national progress and natinal integration. we want to develop our country in full earnst. We are very happy abour the proclamation.
Unnecessary addition about secular state.
Nepal was always secular in practice. The change of name from hindu rastra will only create religious tensions in future.
There are 52 muslim countries arround the world. But now no hindu country. And people are celebrating it? pathetic.
Mark my words. Nepal had no religious conflicts because nepal was hindu country. You will see india like religious riots soon because of this foolish declaration of girija which no one ever asked for.
And why is this website celebrating it? The news says that people celebrated taking away of kings powers. And most of them left dissapointed when the nepal was declared secular country. Is this website paid by missionaries? Why is it mis-representing the news?
For 1st Time in all the history of Nepal, A Real Change is made infavour of the People & they have been given the Sovereign status,which they are. Dream of all Martyrs who fought for the Change has come in someway.But still there’s a long way to go.
Nepal now should head for CA elections in getting people’s mandate to build New and Prosperous Republic of Nepal governed fully by Nepali People.
Wait for the final celebration: its still a long way to go.
If the Maoists obstinate on their demands, we might be heading for another totalitarian regime. The war is not over. The resettlement has not started. The construction of new Nepal is far away.
Maoists have been brilliant in executing their long term strategy. Maos are still collecting money. Maos are recruiting more people. Maos still carry gun.
Lets put the pressure on the Maoists and let them know there will never be a totalitarian regime – be it royal or maoist dictatorship. This was the third movement for the sovereignty of people in the last 50 years. If needed, ther e will still be one more. The only alternative of democracy is more democracy
Its a good move to declare Nepal a secular state.
Secularism is the unseparable part of Democracy which lets the people to practice whatever religion they want.
Theres not any point to get afraid of saying it might create religious tension.Its not that at all.
Truth is it rather helps in strengthening Religious Harmany and Peace among all the communities.
I agree with basanta. What was requirement of this declaration? Being hindu rastra is uniqueness of nepal just like the mount everest, gautam buddha and sita. Girija has made a big mistake by putting this among other good changes. They may actually provide a life line to the king.
Being secular in practice is what matters not in name. No one can take away price of 90% nepalis in one stroke. Let it be an issue in CA if at all it is required.
Why are we copying dhotis so blindly? I wonder if they will provide reservation for muslims tommorow… I wonder if government will pay flight tickets for muslims to go to haj in future. Not even neplese muslims wanted this change ever…
Yes gambhir this step is just to please prachanda and his indian masters. I dont remember anyone in nepal being uncomfortable with nepal being hindu rastra.
It seems missionaries have given some money to girija too. Be prepared for naming your son tom,john,harry.
This is a big mistake. Being secular wont make us developed. Big mistake!
Nepal is was and will be hindu rastra. No copying Dhotis who have more religious tensions than 52 muslim countries and nepal.
I knew girija will do something foolish.
Hey blog.com.np… who has celebrated removing hindu rastra from nature of nepal? People celebrated other significant changes regarding king. Are you being paid by missionaries? Why have you made article look like people were celebrating secularism?
In nepal all religions live together without any tension. There was no requirement at all to make such unnecessary change. Who was unhappy with nepal being hindu rastra? even if someone was unhappy what about the remaining majority of people in nepal.
This is begining of religion based politics in nepal. There will be NJP(nepal janata party) which will promise people to make nepal hindu rastra… kill non-hindus and win votes.. best of luck to girija babu.
Why some guys still afraid of Maoist after they have already shown their full comitments towards MultiParty Democracy formally endorsed by their Central Commite meeting ??
I dönt see a single point to get afraid of them now. Afterall they are the major force of Peoples Movement and awareness they created in society that contributed for this movement for whatever drastic change we have seen now.
Another nepali and Basanta,
your views are out dated. Nepalese people moving with time . What we need is peace in the country. We do not want LANGAUTI of Hindu rashtra and violence in the country. It was the mistake of Biswanath and co. in 1990 whan they drafted the constitution. Where is biswanath now ? He is out dated. It is the new generation who are leading the country.
If we are secular in practice, then whats wröng in formally declaring Nepal a Secular State ??