Kalpit Parajuli

With the Nepali state going secular, tens of people have felt free to convert to the Catholic faith. Here a 12-year-old girl and a 55-year-old woman tell their stories. In Godavari a new church is needed to replace the existing one, already too small for the growing congregation.

The government will proclaim the holiday on May 29, the date on which Hillary and Tenzing climbed Everest. An airport will also be dedicated to them. Celebrations continue in commemoration not only of the climbing feat, but also and above all of Hillary's work on behalf of the local people.

Yesterday began the three-day festivities for the "Maghi", a celebration that the Tharu people established to mark the end of slavery. Now, however, the Tharu want to be considered full-fledged citizens, and are asking for representation in the next constituent assembly.

The mountaineer, the first to reach the summit of Everest, is remembered by the Sherpas as a father. Candles shine in the windows of homes and in the monasteries, in tribute to the memory of Nepal's only honorary citizen.

Pro-Hindu, pro-royalist nationalist parties in Nepal’s parliament lead protest against the ruling seven-party coalition that turned Nepal into a democracy, stripping the king of his powers.

Parliament adds four more statutory holidays to the calendar in recognition of the country’s religious and ethnic minorities. Muslims, Buddhists and others react to the decision with satisfaction. Some see it as a first step.

The former rebel group quit the cabinet in September demanding the immediate abolition of the monarchy, which parliament did on Friday. Now there are hopes the election to a constituent assembly might take place, but Maoists have not yet implemented the agreement to demobilise their military force.

Asia’s Catholic journalists gathered in Nepal for a summit promoted by the Union of International Catholic Press. After two days of meetings, participants prayed for peace gathering around a statue of Buddha.

Parliament adopts bill ending monarchy, turning the country into a republic with an electoral system based on proportional representation. Maoists drop demand for the immediate abolition of the monarchy, raising hope for an end of the current political crisis.

Birendra Saha disappeared over one month ago causing an outcry from human rights organisation and colleagues. An internal inquest by the formal rebels declares it was “a personal vendetta”. But the reporter had written about Maoist activities, still dedicated to violence and extortion, despite the fact they are part of the government.

During celebrations for the feast of Dashian, a group from the Communist Youth League launched an attack with knives and batons on a group of Hindu faithful gathered in a temple. Before leaving they warned: no more idol worship.

Since 1992 Caritas Nepal has been fighting against human trafficking. A tragedy on the increase, often favoured by the victims’ own family who pass it off for “work”. A series of meetings to increase awareness among young people, Catholic and non Catholic.