Celebration of upper-caste privilege or a national occasion?

The caste system in Nepal, much like in India, operates as a pervasive, often invisible force influencing societal structures and individual lives. While Nepal has seen a significant sociological shift with a young Madheshi man from a lower stratum now leading the country, a departure from leaders who traditionally wore the sacred thread (janai), the executive head appears to promote Hinduism publicly. Elaborate ceremonies with Brahmins reciting Vedic mantras at his swearing-in exemplify this, raising questions about his commitment to the dignity and rights of Madheshi and lower-caste communities.

Despite potential changes within the Cabinet, there has been a notable absence of action or even discussion regarding structural change to address caste inequality. Parliamentarians from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party and even Dalit activists-turned-lawmakers have remained conspicuously silent on challenging Brahmanism. The article proposes that removing the festival of Janai Purnima from the national holidays list would be a meaningful gesture toward dismantling caste hierarchy and would be welcomed by Dalits and ethnic minorities.

Janai Purnima, celebrated on August 28, marks the day upper castes change their sacred thread, a symbol of ritual purity, cultural dominance, and political authority. The author contends that designating this as a national holiday compels the majority of the population, who do not wear the janai, primarily Dalits and ethnic groups, to participate in a celebration that affirms their own subjugation. This practice, rooted in the Puranic era's ritual exclusion of lower castes, reinforces the caste hierarchy in direct opposition to Nepal's constitution and laws.

The article expresses disappointment that even seasoned advocates for Dalit rights and the current prime minister, despite his marginalized background, seem to accept or overlook the implications of state-sponsored events like Janai Purnima. This uncritical celebration, the author suggests, implicitly strengthens the caste system, raising questions about faith versus the pursuit of genuine equality.