The Cow is Nepal’s Soul : Supreme Court Rejected the Petition of Current Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal

“A Stern Rebuke from the Court Against Attempts to Erase Cultural Identity in the Name of Secularism”

Report: Ravindra Arya

Kathmandu/Nepal. Nepal’s politics has once again been inflamed by the issues of religion, culture, and identity. Recently, the Supreme Court of Nepal dismissed a petition that sought to remove the cow from its status as the national animal.

This order carries not only legal significance but also immense social, cultural, and political importance. The verdict came at a time when Nepal’s politics is caught in the tug-of-war between “Hindu Nation vs. Secularism.” Leftist and secular forces, in the name of “equality” and “modernization,” have repeatedly questioned cultural traditions, while nationalist groups see this as a matter of Nepal’s “dignity and identity” and remain firmly in struggle.

Brahmin Hindu Om Prakash Aryal, who served as secretary in the Oli government and is currently Nepal’s Home Minister, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court. His arguments were that Nepal is now a secular republic, therefore keeping the cow as the national animal violates the constitution; the status reflects the religious faith of Hinduism alone and infringes on the rights of other communities; and that Nepal should present itself as a multicultural and inclusive nation, hence the cow should be removed as a national symbol.

But as soon as this petition was filed, religious and nationalist organizations across Nepal strongly opposed it. According to them, this was not merely an attack on the cow, but an attack on the Hindu soul of Nepal. The Supreme Court, issuing a stern rebuke to Om Prakash Aryal’s petition, dismissed it outright. The court observed that the cow is not only a religious symbol but also a social and cultural heritage. The role of the cow in Nepal’s agriculture, economy, and rural life has been historically decisive. Secularism does not mean erasing traditions and historical symbols. National symbols represent a nation’s identity, and the cow represents Nepal’s millennia-old traditions and faith.

In Nepal, the cow is revered as a mother. Festivals like “Gai Tihar” still remain at the heart of rural devotion. Vedic traditions, folk songs, and beliefs regard the cow not merely as an animal, but as a symbol of life and prosperity. This order has delivered a direct jolt to Nepalese politics. The agenda of leftist parties and secular lobbies has collapsed, while nationalist and Hindu groups are celebrating in the streets. The ruling coalition now faces a double challenge—respecting Hindu identity while managing the secular vote bank. It is evident that this issue will play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.

Until 2008, Nepal was the world’s only Hindu nation. With the proclamation of the republic, it was turned into a secular state. Since then, Nepal’s identity has remained in crisis. Hindu organizations have consistently demanded its restoration. Now, the Supreme Court’s order further strengthens this debate and indirectly bolsters the demand for a Hindu nation. For India, this decision is positive, as the cultural traditions of both nations are deeply rooted in cow worship and protection. For Western nations and missionary forces, however, it is a setback, as they have long sought to weaken Nepal’s Hindu identity. China and Pakistan too have tried to secure their own interests in Nepalese politics, but the court has sent a clear message: “Nepal’s soul cannot be changed so easily.”

Villagers lit lamps and offered garlands in honor of the cow. Saints described it as “the protection of identity.” Youths made #SaveCow and #NepalIdentity trend across social media. The Supreme Court’s order is not merely a legal judgment, but a cultural and national proclamation. It proves that Nepal’s soul is tied to its Hindu identity. Secularism does not mean severing one’s roots. The cow is not merely a religious symbol, but the very beating heart of Nepalese civilization.

Ravindra Arya

(Analytical Journalist, Writer, and Conserver of Indian Folk Culture)