This month has been full of long days with nothing to do as a result of political bandhs taking place throughout Nepal. The current government is tasked with completing the national Constitution by May 28th and the Supreme Court has refused to allow for another postponement. Apparently, this process has taken several years already. As a result many decisions are being made regarding "federalism" and how governance should be structured throughout the country. There is an attempt to implement what they call "ethnic-based" federalism, where state and regional boundaries are drawn based on ethnic groups vs. resources, geography, etc. This has resulted in growing tension between different ethnic groups such as the Madeshis, Newars, etc. Every group is claiming that they want their own state and equal representation in government. Different groups throughout the country enforce a civil shutdown in protest - so no shops are open, no schools are open, there is no transit on the roads, not even bikes. In fact, Satish was simply walking his bike, not even riding it and a group of protestors came and punctured his tires claiming that he should be on the streets supporting them. In general, safety is not an issue if you're not engaged in the protests. But the alternative is that you're stuck at home and kids don't go to school. That's the worst. I really think that schools should be allowed to stay open since it really sets a horrible example for the future generation. This is not the way to effectively address political change. At least, not here. These bandhs don't influence the government one way or the other. They just want to get this Constitution out. And to be honest, it's going to be just like anything else in Nepal, rushed and botched up at the end. I just hope these bandhs are over in the next few weeks. I'm ready to go back to the office and have Manav back in school.
Manav goofing off in the new garden
Eating daal bhatt with his hands just like his didis!
Mother's Day Festivities in Nepal
Wedding season in Nepal
