Random hits on the keyboard

This year, the festival season feels different. The recent political transformation triggered by the Gen Z protest still lingers in the air — fresh, raw, and unsettling. What began as a movement for change has reshaped not only the political landscape but also the country’s social and cultural fabric. The shift feels too big to comprehend all at once. In today’s world, many turn to TikTok videos and YouTube Shorts to make sense of it all. The streets — and the screens — buzz with questions: Who caused it? Why now? How did it happen? Everyone seems to have an opinion, and social media has become a storm of conspiracy theories and emotional reactions. I, too, got swept into that tide — overconsuming Twitter for nearly a week after the protests. Every swipe brought a new version of the same story. The headlines were sensational, the YouTube shorts repetitive, and the algorithms ensured I saw only what kept me scrolling. Amid this political turbulence, Dashain quietly arrived — and quie...

The hustle and bustle of Dashain has just ended. The festival, at this age, is more about passing cultures to a new generation than buying new dresses. Dashain has been a synonym for new clothes and delicious food for years. Now, the reasons have changed. More than ever, Dashain has been evolving as a time for a family to get together - from aboard and within Kathmandu. It is a break from the cycle of emails and meetings. The lighter email check is a relief. I often wonder about the amount of time we spend on email - reading and responding. I think we all are overdoing it. Anyway, out of email and getting around temples always feels good and relaxed.  This year, Kathmandu has become less empty during Dashain but definitely was not crowded. But the temples were overly crowded - Taleju temple queue was up to Makhan, Indrachwok and bend to New Road. The devotion is impressive and devotees have a huge patience to wait for hours to visit the temples. The VIPs' visits to temples are anno...

The roads are wider, no sewerage issues, no dust, and well a planned city. The city center has functional traffic lights. The infrastructures are built to sustain for another 50 years. It has invested in education and art. As a Nepali, it is contrary to typical stereotypes of Africa. It is green. It is beautiful and it is rich. The African culture is simple - very near to nature - at least in the places I have been to. People are friendly, the coffee is superb and the food is different.  The second largest continent - with vast land and wildlife and heritage. There is much to learn before generalizing this diverse world. Off the topic, Dashain has started and for the first time, I am away during Dashain. C'est la vie. Many things are for the first time, and I am not liking this one. Anyway, wishing all a happy Bijaya Dashami. May peace prevail in the world.