Keeping Government Out of Religion

When Nepal's Maoist lead coalition government decided to cut state funding for religious worship and various cultural practices-including ritual animal sacrifices, it is safe to assume they had no idea what they were getting into. Within days the government was forced to retract the decision, after capital Kathmandu erupted in violent protest and the country expressed anger at the way people's sentiments were being hurt.

Kathmandu Newar residents were particularly upset because the government's decision directly affected celebration of centuries old festivals very close to their cultural identity-like Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. The issue created quite a stir at the Constituent Assembly meeting; leaders of opposition parties accused the government of disrespecting people's sentiments and their heritage.

Dr. Baburam Bhattari, Nepal's finance minister who decided the cutting funding for religious and cultural celebrations would save this impoverished some money, clearly underestimated the people. But amidst the wave of criticism against him and his plans, an important reality is being ignored.

Nepal is now a secular nation. The state cannot support a particular religion or it practices over others. In fact religion is no longer the state's business. Government cannot spend tax payer money to support Indra Jatra, or for that matter to celebrate Christmas or Eid or Buddha Purnima. Government of a secular Nepal should be separated from the temple.

In the past, our forefathers developed the concept of "Guthi" or a cooperative which was responsible to fund religious and celebrations like the various Jatras, Dashin and Tihar (Nepal two biggest festivals celebrate during September-October). In Kathmandu and around the country several hundred Guthis were organized and they had land and other properties to finance their obligations.