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.
United We Blog 
Comments
321 responses to “No Religious Kingdom: Celebrating Secularism in Nepal”
>>We do not want LANGAUTI of Hindu rashtra and violence in the country.
There will be voilence in country because of this decleration in future. If you cant see that you can keep celebrating. This is odd change that was not required at all.
Can any of u guys answer my above Q ??
>>If we are secular in practice, then whats wröng in formally declaring Nepal a Secular State ??
I say what is wrong if nepal is called hindu country? Who has problem with that? If someone has problem he better go to stinking secular dhoti country india. What about sentiments of 90% nepali people? Prachanda is not the only person whose opinion counts…
I again say it is stupid and unnecessary step to declare nepal secular country.
You are an odd to say that sis,basanta.
You are the one who is trying to create the conflict over secular thing.
To be secular is to respect everyone’s right to religious practice.Its unseparable part of democracy.
So to deny secularism in today’s world is like denying democracy.
Do u deny Democracy, mr. basanta ?
>>Its unseparable part of democracy.
Hindu identity is inseperable part of nepal. I cant believe girija did it without any public debate over it… is he a dictator? what is the hurry to declare nepal like that? to please indian masters or prachanda?
Not only Prachanda but everyone who respects civilian rights in Democracy supports the secular thing.
We have nothing to do whether india is secular or not.
What matters is we being secular for ourselves.For our Democracy to be with full values and norms on civilian liberty.
Being Secular doesnt mean degrading hindu.I am also a Proud Hindu.And I feel very happy with this secular thing.
A true Hindu should not have a problem with Nepal becoming a secular state. It is our Nepali culture which makes us tolerant. Let’s keep this culture alive and let religion be a private matter of faith.
Anyone who starts trouble using religion as an excuse should be imprisoned. Did you know that Islam means peace? But look how the fanatical minority have hijacked the moderate Muslim majority. I fear some religious bigots are already doing this on this board.
If Hindus are the majority in this country ( a majority by how much is debateable as all non-hindu janjatis such as Tamangs, Gurungs etc are also classified as Hindus in official statistics) then why are some of them feeling so insecure? Nepal is mutli-ethnic so what is wrong in being multi-religious? Please stop the needless fear mongering. If they say tomorrow there will be Hindu militants- that is shameful as there has never been any Buddhist/Christian/Muslim militants in Nepal even when Nepal’s official religion was Hinduism. Please do not disrespect Hindus and Hinduism in such a manner.
sakyamuni…
You should understand indian politics then you will know long term implications of this idiotic move. Being officially called hindu rastra has nothing to do with how country runs in practice.
I am more against the way it has been declared. Declaring country secular was no where in the theme of revolution… all of sudden why this change? is it to show that hindus sentiments are not cared in this country now?
People have not asked for it. It has been done to please someone else.
WE MUST NOT ASSUME THAT ‘SECULAR’ MEANS DOWN WITH ALL OUR TRADITIONS AND VALUES. FRIENDS LET US NOT DOMINATE AND SUPRESS ON ANOTHER BUT LET US SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN PURE LOVE. NOW THERE IS NO MORE ‘KO BHANDA KO KAM’ LET US PRACTICE LIBERTY EQUALITY AND FRATERNITY
sakyamuni… Ji,
That was the worst thing to do; counting Janjati as Hindu to show the high percentage of Nepalese Hindu; hiding the fact.
It is pit that it will not happen again.
NEPAL HAS LOST ITS UNIQUENESS
If you want to celebrate it I have nothing to say.
If girija has to please indian masters,then he should have rather strengthened Nepal as a Fundamental Hindu Country. So theres no point of what u said.
Whatever he did, is infavour of all the communities of Nepal either they are in majority or minority.
He did this infavour of Democracy for all,for every single citizen of Secular Nepal, I would rather like to say it boldly.
We all suport this.
To Basanta and gang!
You rejoice ecstatically when KG gave up his powers and you said ‘it’s for democracy’.
You demand all corrupt netas audit their wealth to a last paisa because it’s for democracy’.
You demand jungle dwelling Moabadi give up their arms because it’s for democracy.
You demand RNA be under parliament because it’s for democracy.
So you demand everything from everyone for the sake of democracy, but when it is your turn to give in something for democracy, you sense a conspiracy and a foul play. Secular state is a pre requisite for a healthy democracy, if you want to represent every section of society it has to be a secular state. 90% of population is Hindu well that is debatable and let’s not get into that.
And you suddenly find it frightening that other religious groups of Nepal would rise for their rights. What is wrong in having an equal say in social, political and economical issues of Nepal by minorities as well?
Everyone concerns seems to be they (I don’t who) would start eating cow, common people, give some benefits of doubt. People at minorities are not barbarians; they do have sense of respect for your belief and sensitivity. You are not going to be a lesser Hindu or a bad Hindu just because your nation is no more a Hindu nation. Hinduism is a way of life and it is a personal thing, so do not try to mix it with a politics.
Yes, change is uncertain and at a time scary, but that dose not mean you should deny it and run away from it. For a new dawn everyone has to pass through the darkness of night. But if you choose to blind fold yourself, you are most welcome that you will be lost in your own ignorance.
We must not waste our energy on this religious matter and concentrate on how to transform the military, how to bring Maoists to the mainstream, etc.
A secular state is fair for everybody because every citizen feels respected while celebrationg his/her religion woithout any state dictation.
The US constitution also clearly seperates the church with the state and people are enjoying it.
Gyanendra may try to throw the “Hindu Card” at the ring. We must be very clever of that!
Nepal hasnt lost anything.
Rather it has formally showed its commitments towards democracy.
Nothing to fear, its all fair.
We waited hundreds of years not to be a freaking “KINGDOM”, if we do not secularize the country now, we have not learned shit. You think there will be any religion few generations down the line? You must be dreaming to be fighting for that.
We waited hundreds of years not to be a freaking “KINGDOM”, if we do not secularize the country now, we have not learned $#@^. You think there will be any religion few generations down the line? You must be dreaming to be fighting for that.
Regarding being unique!
Well you can have three balls and be unique.
Well you can have a horn coming out of your head and be unique.
And you can boast you are unique because you have three balls and a horn. Well bask in false sense of honor my friend.
No one in the world gives a second thought on Nepal’s uniqness of being a Hindu country. As if you care jews holy book is called Torah, Jesus was born to vigin Mary, Kabba is in Mecca, and that buddhism comes with a flavor Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana. So do not worry people around the world would not even notice the loss of Nepal’s uniqueness.
Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu (gone ???), Buddha, Allah, Mohammad, Holy Ghost, The Heavenly Father, The Son of God, The God Himself, Jesus the Christ, Ram, Krishna, Laxmi, Sita, Kali, Durga, Taleju, Kumari, Bhairav, Indra, Devi, Hanuman, …………………………………………………………. Wow now everybody can choose their own God but God is God who is this God really??? A big Question is God Light and is Satan Darkness ??
One might say Light is a hanging ball of Nuclear reacter and what is Darkness surrounded by Dark Force and Dark Matter??????
So, no holidays in Dashain & Tihar… or, more holidays(christmas, muslim holdays).
Nepal had to be declared a secular state because the king derived his power from the religion. He and his courtiers have misused Hinduism to justify their actions and existence. Religion gave him the utmost power by being declared a god king (Vishnu’s avatar) as oppossed to being a mere mortal like us.
If we, the people wanted to limit the power of the king, then, we had to cut the umbellical cord, which is religion, that justified his existence. Being declared a secular state is merely a technical maneauvering.
Nepal is & will remain a Hindu country at heart as the majority of the people practise Hinduism. It is our way of life. I see no reason to worry about secularism.
hahha, good question Robin, I think if Dasai and tihar is not labeled holidays, I can see another Jana andolan coming…
Khasi ko masu Jindabad!!!!
Basanta and Gambhir,
Your claim that Nepal was always secular in practice is like a white man claiming that there is no racism in the US. If you want to know the state of racism in the US, then you need to ask a minority. Similarly, ask a non-Hindu or an ethnic Nepali about how they feel about the Hindu Nation.
Although I was surprised by the decision without much public debate, I still think it is the right thing to do. Whether you like it or not, the Royals and Bramhins still derive their position in our Nepali society from religion, This move will empower ethnic and religious minorities making them more confident and giving them more say in the Nepali State.
Having said that I still think this should be tested in the constituent assembly. Also, there are more ethnic minorities than Bramhin and Chettri Hindus in Nepal. So you cannot claim that 90% Nepalis are Hindus.
Hellow,
Good analogy,
“Although I was surprised by the decision without much public debate”
I think thats because it’s coming directly from Prachanda’s demand. And also if I am right, pahad parwat is/was more secular than the cities, and since the cities have the veto power, the pahadi’s and madhesi’s are even more discriminated, with the cities as well being secular means a well rounded playing field.
The question is
-Should we trust Lord Pashupatinath to lead Nepal in the third millenium?
If you think yes, the only option is to go to banakali for tapashya not to preach about religion. Just go to a temple and do a tapasya/kotihom/animal sacrifice.
Otherwise, accept the responisibility and act as a sovereign – which we all are now.
“Nepal becomes a secular state”
R u stupid. This is one of the most stupidest thing I have ever heard. Nepal should be Hindu Country.
Do you think Nepal is a better place now? I am happy power has gone to the people but I am very worried. I ask you?
1. DO YOU THINK SPA HAS POWER NOW,….. Maoist…..duh?
2. DO YOU STONGLY BELEIEVE GIRIJA CAN DO THE JOB?
3. Do you trust this guy? Personally I would take any other politician than GIRJA? What a looser.
I think this is one of saddest moment of my life when the government declared a secular country. I believe in everything the government has proposed. Our country was built on HINDU principal. MARK MY WORD RELIGION does play a big part in my life and I am worried that after 10-15 years our country will be like India where people fight and kill for religion. I WORRY. Secular progressive is NOT a way to go. I ASK you one more time….wasn’t Nepal tolerant to other religion…when it was HINDU country
Here is the problem, like it or not we have to look at India’s history, Secular state….. In 10-25 years MARK MY WORD….a political party will be formed like BJP in INDIA who will have a religious background and will move in that direction…..right now our country has been divided into ethnic lines…race…now its going to be religion.
SAVE NEPAL…..I know everyone is happy about this secular thing but think…think I wish we could get along but think practically this is not a perfect world…..this will be blow out of proportion after 10 -15 years…I am worried about my country…I wish we had more educated and rational politician.
I was reading a comment from one blogger that 90% of the people approve of this secular movement. Those who says that 90% of Nepalese believe in secular country is living in a different world. I am worried about Nepal…I am really worried about Nepal.
Boy did I say MARK MY WORD so many times but I would like to say one more time mark my word.
Congratulations! Welcome in the club of secular states!
Secularism is essential, to let the people feel, that nobody will be looked upon differently because of his culture and religion.
So funny, that the people, who have lamented about Brahmin domination of the state are now shedding tears for the Hindu Kingdom.
If Hinduism needs a king, they shall keep him, but in fact no religion needs a state, as the home of religion is in the heart of the people. Religion belongs to culture and everybody shall be guaranteed the right to live his own religion for him/herself.
Freedom needs more tolerance. It will take time for Nepal to develop this kind of social and cultural tolerance after years of rule of intolerance, empowered by the barrels of the two guns, Nepal has almost been destroyed by.
And one thing is true, this declaration had much more reasons to be joyful too!
AHIMSA knows: Kings are history!
mike ji,
I don’t trust Girija either. However, you may have heard the most stupidest thing, but it is the wisest thing I ever hear in my life, if we love to welcome the peace in Nepal.
You need not worry the present state of Nepal; I ask you to share the joys all Nepalese are rejoicing.
Girija will have to vacate the chair soon to the elected one by the people.
It is easy to declare but it is very hard to implement. The problem is how to bring the Maoists in the mainstream. They are asking PMship already. They say that they were are also the parallel govt and have every right to raise the taxes.It is a rediculous arguement. SPA should not say yes, yes all the time to their demands. Now they should expand the cabinet and make the negotiating team immediately.
Try to invite UN to discuss the process of surveillance of weapons. Do not bring Indian troops for that because it will have negative impact both inside and out side the country particularly in other samall SAARC countries.
With mushrooming Mosques on Nepal & UP border, and very strong ISI presence, it is a matter of time before the country is run over by Slimes and their fellow travellers the commies and also now just see how chrsitain missionaries will pump money into Nepal so that the entire country is converted to Christianity with western values of just sex and drugs being Nepalese culture!!!
I am amazed that still you all are not aware of what is true secularism and what is happening to India due to sickular (secular) ideology!!
Lets see how the governemtn implements all this. Or else, i will have to start an revolution in Nepal, which i am capable of. I am talented.
Mike:
One of your precinct for secularization as bad idea was that “Our country was built on HINDU principal”,
Exactly, Char Jat Chhatis Barna Right?, The king and the clan are gods, while chettris as army and Bahuns as preists serve the king and safeguard their lineage and the rest play merry go round with meagre subsistent based survival.
But it is not about religion, it’s about oppression, the King was a god according to the religion, there is jaat-discrimination, I have experienced that. It is trying to get rid of those things, so just like people in the villages need more attention, likewise the people whose lineage have been blatently discriminated against need more attention.
One one hand you say you are religious and you cannot digest this thing and on the other you give the India Example, no one is going to bar you from being religious, I think even Dasain will still be regarded as a holiday as it is a cultural practice. I dont think we need to compare us to India, Like you said, we are a lot more lenient about religion and Indians are lot more fundamentalists, besides, their infighting between different religion is historical and habitual but I do not think that is the case here in Nepal.
Mike,
While you think about possible scenarios in the future, please also consider a scenario where we continue as Hindu State with Royals and Brahmins deriving power from the religion and dalits and non-Hindus being marginalized.
Please also try to understand whether ethnic minorities and dalits (who outnumber high caste hindus) are happy with the Hindu Nation set up and whether we can stop the blood bath that has claimed 14,000 lives. Also what makes you think that religious uprising is not possible in a Hindu state? We had no Maoist problems for 200 years but suddenly it errupted like a volcano.
I live in a secular country with a strong Christian foundation. However, I think I would be very uncomfortable and leave the country if this was a Christian country (even if it allowed me to practice my religion). Try to put yourself in the footsteps of marginalized non-Hindu Nepali in a Hindu State. In my example I mentioned, I can run back to Nepal. But in a dalit or non-Hindu Nepali’s case in a Hindu Nepal, they have nowhere to run to.
IF THE GOVERNMENT CAN GO TO THE EXTENT THAT it DECLARES COUNTRY AS A SECULAR NATION BY VOTING THROUGH AN OUTDATED PARLIAMENT, I ASK WHY DO WE NEED CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY elections?
WHY CANT IT TAKE ALL THE DECISIONS NOW INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THE CA ELECTIONS, in the same manner as it did?
AND LET US keep THIS QUESTION for CAElections.
1. Change name of our country
2. Also our flag
‘Hinduism’ was never part of Nepali identity. Most Nepalis were proud Buddhists for a long time. Then some people came over from India and gave incentives to Buddhists to convert to Hinduism and that was it.
The real Nepali religion is animism. You guys like to scream at India but Hinduism is totally an Indian product. It was brought to Nepal by the Bahuns and the Chettris. None of the janjati communities were Hindu before.
And for people like Basanta, please, understand that Hindu-Muslim riots are much more likely in India than in Nepal. India has 150 million Muslims. And understand that the riots invariable happen in North India, in places like Gujarat and Maharastra where Hindus and Muslims have had simmering anger towards each other for longer than your ancestors came to Nepal. There is nothing like that in Nepal.
As for this Mike guy, seems like some do-gooder Westerner with too much time on his hands. Hey fella, don’t worry about Nepal. You don’t understand anything, don’t worry your head. Nepalis can take care of themselves. Sure they’ve been bumps along the way, but look at the world. Which country has had a safe ride? Its all the same, so don’t worry your head unduly on our behalf. Take a couple of aspirins or Tylenols if the head’s hurting too much.
And Mike, no further comments, okay? Unless you’ve got something smart to say. “10-25 years….mark my words..” Look, we’re trying to do something right now, okay. You don’t know whats going to happen in 25 years, and neither do I. Right now, its for the best that Nepal has become secular. Nepal really didn’t need that religious baggage, it doesn’t need that monarchial baggage. It needs a dose of modernity. And some monetary help. If you westerners want to give monetary aid, go ahead, give, but don’t offer advice please. Its easy to give advice. Some advice from me to you Mike. Shut up.
See how easy that was..
NOW THAT WE HAVE CLIPPED THE WINGS OF KING AND ARE ALSO MAKING HIM PAY TAXES.
WHAT DO U SAY ABOUT MAKING ALL THE MINISTERS, POLITICAL LEADERS, MPs & PUBLIC OFFICIALS ALSO PAY THEIR SHARE OF TAXES AND DISCLOSE THEIR PERSONAL WEALTH INFORMATION?
WILL IT HAPPEN? (PEOPLE LIVING IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES…)
Why, when I type ‘Nepal Army’ am I greeted, first thing with a ‘Royal Nepal Army?’
That has to change immediately.
Manan,
it is not the question of the religion. I am very happy that Nepal is a secular state now, deep inside I feel proud to be part of this nation in some sort of way.
The question is what kind of secular state are we planning to build? In various websites I read this discussion about Hindusm being in danger. Minors are claiming that this gives them an oppurtunity to practise their religion without any fear. For crying out loud we have even seen the Buddhist flags ( or what you call them) in front of Sighadurbar for quite sometime demanding this same thing. It does raise a serious question you know, it makes us realise that were we so fundamental hindus, that we were surpressing the beliefs of other community ? Was religion such a big issue here ? The constitution even though declare Nepal as Hindu state, it had strictly prohibited on the discrimination for other religions. It is the same thing now. I really don’t see anything to cheer about. Granted, we don’t have that label of Hindu nation anymore. Will that solve the problem ? What are the changes you think you are going to see in the future ?
And talking about India, who are we kidding. We are much better than them in this issue. India being the second largest Muslim country in the world still haven’t managed to find it’s true identity. The country where Christians outnumber Sikhs, the former still consider themselves a minority.
The right of secularism shouldn’t be used to practise religions in more extravegant ways but it should be used to limit the religious practises. Do you want to believe in religion, fine ofcourse , keep it within your house, don’t bring it to the work or school. Building of new temples, mosques, monastries should be prohibited. No religion should be practised in public at all. Kumari pratha should be abolished. There are many things we need to do before we start to celebrate the secularism, otherwise we have just change the name on the piece of paper, nothing more.
YOU WANT SOMETHING WISE MANAN WELL HERE:
We only have one life, we only get to be with our loved ones for nothing but a fraction of a moment in time. We only get one chance to sit and make it better for tomorrow and prepare it for our children. To sit and embrace our meaning to teach about the spiritual meaning of life. If u dont know what it is its about enjoying the moment, and enjoying our loved ones, smelling the sweetness of the world. to hold our children hands and walk the world in wonder not in fear. to sit and say today i played with my child hood friend, had a picnic with my family. But instead we fight over who should be in power, who should have control, who should rule over them forgetting you have the power to rule yourselfs. not only that you spend it enslaved to goverments ideal world rather then what the ancients thought. This world is a paradise lost, and its time to regain it. MAKE IT THAT use your potential for making a better world.
Michael, get a grip and get rid of that acid outta your tongue. Who is stopping you to have that spiritual life ? It is not the governments’ ideal world, it is the oppurtunity for people to chose what they please, so what is the big deal ?
We in the united states have too much religious interference in our government today. We have a president who thinks he has a direct line to god. Christian fundamentalism is ruining the united states
Yes It is one positive step further towards the democratic road. Religious and cultural tolerance has been from centuries the Hallmark of Nepalese Identity.
Even after being a Secular Nepal, all various religious existing cultural practices will remain intact as has been the case. It will create another chance to preserve and strenghten indeginous language and socio-cultural practices specially animism and shamanism together with other personnel religious preferences as people choose to practice and adopt.
I agree 100% with Bridohi, now we must focus on first of all disarm Maoists, create a conducive environment under UN inorder to finally CHECK all top brass Maoists leader BARRING THEM from becoming DESPOT COMMUNIST DICTATORS and punish them for their hineous crimes and atrocities which had been committed for the last 10 yrs.
It is ridiculous from Maoists side to demand 50% of Tax and equally obsurd and foolish for Madhav Nepal to support that PLA should be supported by Nepalese Tax Payers Money. The simple and most effective solution is just to assimilate PLAs into Nepalese Army collectively.
Now after curbing the power of King it is time to implement Mallik Report and begin to neck all corrupt past and present political leaders-cadres, MPs, beaurocrats, administrators, judiciary, diplomats, ministers, businessmaen to declare their properties and give back all ill gotton properties and materials back to National Coffer and hence give proper treatment and punishment for thier crimes.
Change the Public Service Commission, make all examinations in English medium except the individual national languages so that people from all tribes, race and gender can compete for Government and Public Posts. The Official languages also must be mostly in English followed by Nepali and translations into other ethnic languages.
All education must be conducted in English medium specially Mathematics, Science from the beginning. Inclusion of various National languages as optional subjects along with Foreign languages like Chinese, Japanese and major other Western languages as per need to Tourism Sectors.
Creation of proper infrastructurs and opportunity locally for possible tourists attractions throughout Nepal researching on local natural and cultural resources.
Provision of stringent rules against Corruption, briberies etc. in both Government and Public Offices at all levels.
These are just few thoughts……… there are so much to be done !!!!!!!!!
Long Live New Nepal and Nepalese Identity
I don’t think bing a seculer country, slaughtering of cows, which most of us don’t eat, will take palce easily in our society. Only some communities in nepal eat beaf and they have been doing it secerately long before. Even the slaughtering of buffalo in a public place is not accepted. So it should not be a big deal if people eat beaf and they dont slaughter it in public, what is the problem. This should not be a major topic of discussion in the present situation. There are more serious things to discuss about. Let’s discuss about the army. What will they do? Will they accept the HOR decleration? What will be the Gyanendra’s next action? what will be the international opinion? When the talks betn.
Nepal government and Maoists take place? what will be the outcome of the talk? When will be CA assembly election? what will be the issues in CA? Is there any chance of army ku?? Don’t we need to be alert for this? what should be the role of general public in present context? There are so many important issues than slaughtering of a cow. Let’s don’t give any chance of relegious conflict in our society. Nepalese are not extremists. whether they are hindus, muslims, buddhists or christians or any other religious group. There are few idiots like shiva sena who tries to rise these foolish talks amongst us. Let’s don’t be their puppet and finish this cow slaughtering talk right now. Let’s discuss about our(nepali citizens) responsibility. Leaders have done something good after very very long. Let’s encourage them. let’s be a true nepali citizen.
“Jai Nepal”
as if i dont take acid anymore so its not on my tongue….and people choose what they please ya the do then down the road your children complain about it. or u do.Decomercy is a illusion fabricated by leaders.
It is funny when people fight fierecly to protect Nepali identity but at the same time advocate to use English as the primary language. What is it all about ?
keven thats so funny i laughed i somewhat agree. and glade you seem not to have aproblem with english your writing in it.
Michael,
shouldn’t you be happy for what you are able to believe ? I just don’t understand how you get this idea about someone prohibiting you from believing in your faith ? Can you please bother to explain ?
I didn’t say anyone is stopping me but goverments say freedom but do u really have freedom over here u purchase a house and the land you pay taxes, u buy a car u pay taxes even if u own it. thats not freedom. U dont pay your taxes your house and car are bye bye i can’t go anywere in this world that i can excape goverments oppression. I am either forced to believe in what they set into motion, or die or be put in prision.