2023 Wrapped Up: All Meanwhile in Nepal – A Journey of Moments, Trends, Emotions, and Reflections

And with that the 2023 seasons come to an end, Nepal looks back on a time of highs and lows, joy and heartbreak. This past year brought us a mix of experiences, from moments that tugged at our emotions to those that brought smiles and laughter. Our attempt to sum up the happenings of 2023 is a journey through the various trends and events that left their mark on us. So, here’s a wrapped up down the memory lane of Nepal, as we step into 2024, reminiscing about the simplicity, complexity, and beauty that made up the fabric of our year.

Golden year for Nepali cricket

In 2023, Nepali cricket witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Faced with the threat of relegation and the loss of their ODI status, Nepal had just one option and no looking back– to win all 11 remaining matches out of the last 12. Remarkably, they not only secured their ODI status but also triumphed over their arch-rival UAE to enter the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe. The journey included facing cricket powerhouses like Zimbabwe, former champions West Indies, the Ireland, and the Netherlands. Following this, Nepal participated in the ACC Asia Cup, competing against cricket giants India and Pakistan, where they gave a great fight. It was like a dream moment for every fans. They also set many world record in the Asian Games before meeting India once again there. The success story continued as they qualified for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies in 2024, marking their return to the global stage after a decade. Anticipation is high, with hopes that 2024 will bring further success to the Nepali cricket team, the Rhinos.

Prachanda Betrays Kp oli

Nepal entered a new political era with a freshly formed parliament in 2023. The uncertainty loomed large on the deadline day for the formation of a new government, with both Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, looking for the position of the Prime Minister within the alliance. When Deuba turned down Prachanda’s request to lead, Prachanda sought the support of KP Oli, who was at his residence in Balkot with the likes of Rabi Lamichhane and Rajendra Lingden. Oli, in a surprising turn, granted Prachanda the majority support to become the Prime Minister. Despite this setback for the Congress, they strategically played their cards, offering a vote of confidence to Prachanda while continuing to lobby for his return to the alliance. As the presidential polls approached, Prachanda officially betrayed KP Oli by rejoining forces with Deuba and endorsing Ram Chandra Poudel for the presidency. Consequently, UML left the government, leaving them with only a speaker in the House of Representatives. This political event, with Prachanda becoming the PM with just 36 seats, showcased strategic prowess but also marked a significant betrayal of KP Oli.

12 Bhai

Rabi Lamichhane, the president of the Rastriya Swotantra Party and former Deputy PM and Home Minister, faced a significant setback as the court ruled that he had not completed the necessary process to obtain Nepali citizenship after relinquishing his American Green card. This verdict led to the loss of all his positions, prompting other ministers to exit the government as well. In a press conference following the decision, Lamichhane vehemently criticized major media outlets such as Kantipur, Onlinekhabar, Setopati, labeling them as the “12 Bhai,” a term that gained widespread popularity. During his address, he made several allegations against these media houses, sparking a heated controversy.

Badal Barsa Bijuli and Adeli kadaile

In 2023, two standout songs captivated Nepali audiences. “Badal Barsa Bijuli,” originally sung by Ananda Karki and Prashna Shakya, experienced a resurgence on social media, particularly on TikTok, during the monsoon season and beyond. Despite being an older song, it gained viral momentum not only in Nepal but also in India and various other countries. On the other hand, “Adeli Kadaile Chwassai” by Shanti Shree Pariyar became a massive hit, especially during the Teej festival and other celebrations. However, the song’s frequent play in various settings also sparked irritation among some listeners. These musical sensations added vibrant beats to the Nepali music scene in 2023.

Harka Sampang, Balen, Rabi Lamichhane

Harka Sampang, Rabi Lamichhane, and Balen undoubtedly stand out as three of the most popular figures in Nepal this year. Their constant presence in the headlines has been a weekly occurrence, fueled by a mix of public appreciation for their work and simultaneous controversy. Operating under the banner of independence, each has carved out a distinctive approach to their work, contributing to both their popularity and the debates surrounding their actions. It would take another article to describe all the news they have made this year.

Paul Shah and Sandeep Lamichhane

The roster of newsmakers for the year is incomplete without mentioning Paul Shah and Sandeep Lamichhane. Both enjoyed immense celebrity status but found themselves embroiled in serious allegations of rape, causing a significant downturn in their careers. Paul Shah was eventually cleared of all charges when the accuser altered her statement but the supreme court has ordered to revise the case . In contrast, Sandeep Lamichhane was proved guilty by court. An unexpected twist occurred during Asia cup when Paul Shah extended his best wishes to Sandeep for his upcoming matches, marking a surprising crossover of support.

Dhokebaaz hau timi

The best thing about this buzz is that it ended. This song was making roits in all the Mohutsav. The song by Eleena Chauhan and Shiva Pariyar was a mandatory in every Mohutsav. People would act crazy in this song enjoying its vibe. Many people called this act a “cringe”.

Nepali in Isreal

It was a very unfortunate news to learn that ten Nepali students had been killed in Israel after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a wave of rocket attacks in the country’s southern region. Those Nepali Agricultural students went to Isreal for the “Learn and Earn” program. Several others were also injured and many of Nepali were also had to be rescued. There are currently 4,500 Nepali nationals working in Israel.

Prem Prasad Acharya self immolation

Prem Prasad Acharya setting himself on fire in front of the parliament with many people watching has made us think about some important things. His death has raised questions for the government and the way our society works. Acharya had questions that those in power should answer, and these questions are important for everyone. When the rules are not strong, people who can’t talk to those in charge feel hopeless. This can make someone lose all hope and realize how weak they are, leading them to give up on life. Taking someone’s life, even your own, is wrong, but sometimes it happens as a form of rebellion. Could it be that the way the government is running things is causing people to do this? Maybe many of us has already forget about the question asked by him.

RONB goes shut

Routine of Nepal Banda, a widely followed news platform among the youth, closed down temporarily following a controversy about alleged attempts to manipulate the public with misinformation. After about 15 days of being offline, they returned, pledging to make improvements. The platform faced accusations of mass manipulation by presenting only one side of the story.

Conflict based in religion

Nepal was on the brink of witnessing communal riots, particularly in Dharan. The situation could have escalated further if the District office hadn’t imposed a curfew. Various Hindu groups were planning protests in response to claims of a cow being slaughtered and eaten, as well as reports of a church being built near a temple. The widespread misinformation at that time had the potential to fuel the conflict. It’s essential for Nepal to always uphold harmony among all religions.

Bhutanesee Refugee scam

In early June, a court in Kathmandu, Nepal, sent a strong message against corruption. It ordered former ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats to be detained for their suspected involvement in a fake refugee document scam that has captured the nation’s attention since late March. This action is significant in a country where corruption is widespread, and political leaders often avoid prosecution. Around 875 Nepalis were reportedly deceived by syndicate members who charged them between 1 million to 5 million rupees ($7,615-$38,000) for fake refugee documents, promising to help them travel to the United States.

Jajarkot Earthquake

It’s indeed a tragic event this year. A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck the western part of Nepal on November 3, 2023, at 11:47 pm. The epicenter was in Ramidanda, Jajarkot district. Reports indicate that 158 people have lost their lives, and 345 people are injured across seven districts. A total of 38,705 families are affected, with 12,060 families displaced, and 28,769 houses (9,483 fully/19,286 partially) are destroyed.

Greater Nepal

The discussion around the Greater Nepal map resurfaced when Mayor Balen of Kathmandu displayed it in his office as a response to a mural of the Ashok empire, a symbol of good governance, in the new Indian parliament. Balen reiterated the idea of reclaiming territories that once belonged to Nepal. However, many acknowledge it as part of history and not practically achievable. Even if possible, it’s seen as a potentially harmful step for Nepal. Critics argue that Balen’s focus on hypothetical matters instead of improving the well-being of the people is merely a bid for attention.

Durga Prasai vs Mahesh Basnet

Durga Prasai, a businessman turned political leader, and Mahesh Basnet, a UML leader, were on a collision course, planning significant protests at the same location in Maitighar on Mangsir 7. The potential clash was averted when authorities intervened and relocated them to different places. Despite some minor disputes, the day proceeded without major incidents. Durga Prasai stirred controversy by announcing a movement to bring back the King, restore Hindu state status, forgive people’s loans, and more. However, his movement is considered unsuccessful.

TikTok Ban

The decision to ban TikTok was one of the most surprising moves this year. Nepal’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, announced that the Cabinet made the decision, citing ‘disruption in social harmony’ and the app’s impact on family and social structures in Nepal. TikTok had become the fastest-growing social network in the country, gathering an active user base of 2.2 million since its launch in 2017, making the ban unexpected.

Start of MWIN Media

The launch of MWIN Media is a significant milestone for us, marking a crucial event in our lives. The idea of bringing our page to a website has been a long-standing goal, and after working towards it throughout 2023, we are excited to launch it in the new year of 2024. Wishing each one of you a Happy New Year! We aim to bring you entertainment, fun, laughter, and information in a simple and humorous manner. Nepal, our unique country, will be celebrated to the fullest. Your support means a lot; you are like family to us. If we missed anything above, please let us know in the comment section with your feedback and suggestions. Cheers to a new era of media, for our new Nepali generation. The journey begins!