Kathmandu [Nepal], August 16 – Former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has publicly affirmed that he is a Hindu, while reiterating his personal preference for Nepal to remain a secular country.
Addressing the closing ceremony of a two-day gathering of the party’s rival faction in Kathmandu on Sunday, Deuba said his family traditions and religious practices were rooted in Hindu customs.
He said his Bratabandha, a Hindu coming-of-age ceremony and marriage were both conducted according to Hindu traditions. Deuba also said he visits temples and worships Pashupatinath one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu shrines.
“I am Hindu,” Deuba said repeatedly while explaining his religious identity.
Deuba clarified that although he personally wants Nepal to remain a secular state the final decision on the country’s religious status should rest with the people.
He said he addressed the issue after leaders and party workers attending the gathering asked him to speak about Hinduism.
Deuba also praised Buddhism alongside Hinduism saying both religions are compatible with science and nature.
His remarks come amid continuing public and political debate in Nepal over secularism religion and the country’s constitutional identity. Nepal became a secular republic under the 2007 interim constitution following the end of the monarchy and the status of religion remains a subject of political discussion.
Deuba’s statement therefore combines a personal declaration of faith with support for allowing the public to determine Nepal’s future religious framework.
