The loneliness of Madheshi politicos

The story of the struggles, successes and limitations of Madheshi politicians in Nepal.

Back in the mid-1970s, Janakpur was still a sleepy settlement that woke up periodically to welcome pilgrims for Hindu festivals. Devotees came from all around town every Poornima to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga Sagar. Ramnavami attracted the faithful to celebrate the avatar of Lord Rama at Ram Mandir. The tradition of a bariyat (marriage party) arriving from Ayodhya to Mithila every Bibah Panchami had already begun.