Why Constitution Day is still Madhesh’s ‘Black Day’

Policy choices in the 2015 Constitution systematically fractured Madheshi political representation and civil service access.

On September 19, 2015, my home in Sarlahi was preparing for Bhadaiya Raab, a sacred festival in Mithilanchal where women cook kheer and saltless dishes on a traditional chulo , gather fruits in a dala , and offer neuz to the Sun God for family health and prosperity. As my mother prepared the food over the wood fire, the black, smoky utensils slipped from my hands and rolled into the yard. I was an early teenager, but I was too paralysed to step outside and pick them up. Outside, the streets were stained red with rampant state killings. Security personnel surrounded our neighbourhood, turning a day meant for devotion into absolute terror.