Hindu, Muslim and Christian women come out in defence of religious freedom
by Kalpit Parajuli
During celebrations honouring Lord Shiva, Hindu women criticise proposed amendments to the penal code that would ban conversions. For them, such changes reflect the view of rightwing politicians, not all the people.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Hindu women marked Teej festival by calling on the country’s political leaders to uphold the separation between state and religion and defend the rights of minorities. The event was celebrated yesterday in honour of Lord Shiva. Members of other religious groups took part in the event, including Muslims and Christians.
“Teej should not be marked just as Hindu festival,” said Binda Pudel, a Hindu culture expert. “It is common to all religions,” she explained. "Every religion is free to celebrate its festival in a secular country. We Hindu women should sing the praise of Nepal’s secularism and respect religions other than Hinduism.”
When a secular state was proclaimed in 2007, minorities were given an opportunity to celebrate their liturgy out in the open. Since then, a tradition has developed whereby leaders and followers from different religions would be invited and share in their respective celebrations.
The better known celebrations are Christmas for Christians, Dashain for Hindus, Eid al Fitr for Muslims and Vesak for Buddhists.
However, with amendments to the country’s penal code now before parliament, such events will no longer be possible. The motivation behind the proposed changes is “avoiding religious clashes”. In reality, the changes would give Hinduism greater status and restrict religious freedom, including the right to convert from one religion to another.
For Sima Khatun, a Muslim woman leader, people believe in harmony and peaceful coexistence among different religions. Politicians only exploit differences to stir confrontation. This is spreading a wrong idea about Nepal and Hindus. “Hindu women invited her to Teej and as a sign of friendship they took part in end-of-Ramadan celebrations,” she explained.
Mandira Sharma, a Hindu woman activist, is also critical of the proposed changes to the penal code. “Even though the state is supposed to be secular, there are still many rightwing politicians who are in favour of a confessional and conservative country,” she said. “They are the ones pushing for the new penal code, not ordinary Hindus”.
Another important Hindu woman leader, Damodar Sharma, said, “No one is in favour of forced conversion. Every citizen has the right to choose his faith.”
“Teej should not be marked just as Hindu festival,” said Binda Pudel, a Hindu culture expert. “It is common to all religions,” she explained. "Every religion is free to celebrate its festival in a secular country. We Hindu women should sing the praise of Nepal’s secularism and respect religions other than Hinduism.”
When a secular state was proclaimed in 2007, minorities were given an opportunity to celebrate their liturgy out in the open. Since then, a tradition has developed whereby leaders and followers from different religions would be invited and share in their respective celebrations.
The better known celebrations are Christmas for Christians, Dashain for Hindus, Eid al Fitr for Muslims and Vesak for Buddhists.
However, with amendments to the country’s penal code now before parliament, such events will no longer be possible. The motivation behind the proposed changes is “avoiding religious clashes”. In reality, the changes would give Hinduism greater status and restrict religious freedom, including the right to convert from one religion to another.
For Sima Khatun, a Muslim woman leader, people believe in harmony and peaceful coexistence among different religions. Politicians only exploit differences to stir confrontation. This is spreading a wrong idea about Nepal and Hindus. “Hindu women invited her to Teej and as a sign of friendship they took part in end-of-Ramadan celebrations,” she explained.
Mandira Sharma, a Hindu woman activist, is also critical of the proposed changes to the penal code. “Even though the state is supposed to be secular, there are still many rightwing politicians who are in favour of a confessional and conservative country,” she said. “They are the ones pushing for the new penal code, not ordinary Hindus”.
Another important Hindu woman leader, Damodar Sharma, said, “No one is in favour of forced conversion. Every citizen has the right to choose his faith.”
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