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When I was a teenager, I visited my relatives in the hilly region of Kaski during the festive season of Tihar. For brunch, I was served a special dish called pakku meat with rice. I was quite surprised and couldn’t help but ask my aunt, “Did someone in the village make the dish for Tihar?” My aunt explained that the pakku meat had been prepared during the Dashain festival and saved for the occasion of Tihar. I felt privileged to be enjoying the delicious flavors of pakku that had been made about 20 days earlier.

In the past, many middle-class families would traditionally sacrifice a goat during Dashain, but they often couldn’t consume all of it within a few days. Meat was a rare and valuable commodity back then, so they came up with a way to cook the goat meat in fat and preserve it. This culinary tradition was born out of necessity, allowing Nepali families to make their meat last and savor its succulent taste for an extended period. The cold climate of the Nepali hills was also ideal for preserving meat, especially when it was cooked in a mixture of fat, mustard oil, and ghee. The generous use of fat, in my opinion, was the main ingredient that helped preserve the meat until winter.

In contrast to the Indian tradition, our celebration of Navaratri, the nine days of worshiping Shakti or the goddess, involves a lot of meat, alcohol, and food. We celebrate it for more than 10 days, and the most authentic food of Dashain is pakku, the slow-cooked meat in fat.

Pakku meat is a beloved dish that graces Nepali dinner tables during this special season. It’s not just a meal; it represents the heart of Nepali culinary heritage and the skill of preserving flavors.

Pakku meat, a slow-cooked goat dish, plays a pivotal role during Dashain. The preparation of this delectable treat is a labor of love, blending time-tested methods with a unique selection of spices. At the heart of pakku meat’s distinctive flavor lies the secret ingredient: pakku masala. This special spice blend is more than just a seasoning; it’s the soul of the dish, composed of a variety of spices like coriander, bay leaves, fenugreek seeds, dry ginger, garlic, cardamom, cumin, cloves, long pepper, and many more. Each spice contributes to the rich and authentic Nepali flavor that defines pakku masu.

To create pakku meat, one must start with the right ingredients, particularly goat leg pieces, preferably from a young goat. The meat is then marinated with mustard oil, a blend of spices, and aromatic ginger and garlic. The slow-cooking process, often executed in a heavy-bottomed pot or a pressure cooker, allows the flavors to blend. No water is added to the pot, and onions or tomatoes are conspicuously absent during the cooking process. This extended cooking time yields tender, flavorful meat, eagerly anticipated by Nepali people during Dashain.

One notable aspect of pakku meat is the quantity in which it is prepared. This generous serving size is perfect for hosting extended family and guests who come together to celebrate Dashain. As the dish is reheated and served, its flavors deepen, creating a taste that evolves. The more you reheat it, the darker, richer, and more tender it becomes.

For many Nepali individuals living far from their homeland during Dashain, preparing pakku meat is a way to reconnect with their roots. It’s a journey back home, a method to honor cherished traditions, and a means of sharing a piece of Nepal with their loved ones, no matter where they are in the world.

Pakku meat, with its rich flavors and cultural significance, exemplifies how food can be a source of celebration, connection, and nostalgia. If you’ve never had the pleasure of savoring goat meat or are interested in exploring the diverse facets of Nepali cuisine, don’t hesitate to give pakku meat a try. It’s not just a dish; it’s a part of Nepali tradition and a flavorful celebration of Dashain. It’s worth noting that every family has its unique way of preparing Pakku, and the following is one particular recipe that I hold dear.

Ingredients

Two kg goat meat

Five gm (two tsp) cumin powder

Three gm (1.5 tsp) chili powder

Four gm (two tsp) turmeric powder

Four gm (1.5 tsp) garam masala

16 gm (one tbsp) garlic paste

12 gm (one tbsp) ginger paste

Four bay leaves

Four cloves

Two gm black peppercorns

Two cinnamon sticks

Four black cardamoms

120 ml (eight tbsp) pure mustard oil

120 ml (eight tbsp) ghee (brown butter)

20 gm salt

Method

Begin by marinating the larger pieces of goat meat with mustard oil, garlic, ginger, salt, garam masala powder, cumin powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, and ghee. Allow the meat to marinate for at least four to five hours

Once the marination is complete, place all the marinated meat in a clay pot, ensuring that the lid is tightly sealed. Some cooks add a layer of flour dough around the top to seal it and ensure an airtight vessel. Let the pot simmer over low heat for another four hours.

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, emphasizing the importance of good-quality meat and the use of high-quality ingredients. However, the true magic lies in the cooking technique employed.

Pakku meat is at its best when cooked over an open-fire stove, though this may prove challenging in a city setting. For urban dwellers, a kasaudi (a traditional wood-burning stove) is your best bet to achieve the perfect result. In the lack of these options, a pressure cooker or even a rice cooker can be used. In the case of the latter, simply place all the ingredients in the rice cooker and switch it on. Keep in mind that you may need to use a bit more oil and ghee for the rice cooker preparation.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef​​​​​​​

To all living eight prime ministers, finance ministers, living finance secretaries, and governors of Nepal Rastra Bank. To all living deputy chairs of the National Planning Commission, eminent economists, advisors, experts, and professors of economics. To all brilliant scholars working globally with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund. 

To all eminent Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge scholars working in the field of economics. To the deans, professors, and lecturers in the economics department of Nepali universities. To all researchers who analyze the regional and global context of Nepal’s economics.

To economic diplomats, heads of missions in business and economics. And to all economic researchers and planners, impact analysts, economic journalists and columnists.

Firstly, amid this peculiar festive season, characterized by slow market activity and lower-than-anticipated traffic on major highways, I extend my warm wishes for your well-being and joy. Today, as a concerned citizen, I raise some pressing questions. 

What has transpired within Nepal’s economy over the past three years? Why does everything seem stable when it’s not? Why isn't trade and commerce flourishing?  Why does the chorus of “There’s no money” persist everywhere? Why does the nation seem to be mourning some unseen loss during this festive climate? What’s the real story behind it all?

You, the distinguished experts, are the ones who can unravel these mysteries and more. Every ordinary citizen of Nepal eagerly awaits your responses. 

It seems, however, that many of you have been avoiding these questions. Could it be that your efforts to plant the right seeds have failed, or perhaps the true root causes of Nepal’s current economic woes have eluded you? Have your analyses and course of action proved futile, or do you simply not concern yourselves with the ongoing situation?

We are firmly convinced that you bear responsibility for these matters, and we seek your clarifications. Your standard responses, such as low GDP, inefficient development budget spending, remittance dependency, lack of industrialization, and import reliance, do not suffice. These issues have been repeated for years, but not a single working solution has been offered. Are there no new factors to discuss, or, if your previously stated reasons are accurate, why hasn't any progress been made? 

The fundamentals of our economy overshadow your assessments and estimations. Isn't it your duty to address these problems? We demand answers. There are more questions ...

How have major corruption scandals, such as the 60 kg gold smuggling case, the Lalita Niwas land grab scam, and the fake Bhutanese refugee issue, institutionalized corruption and impacted our economy? To what extent do such incidents affect the nation's economic growth? Are such scams still occurring behind the scenes? Whether they come to light or remain concealed, how do they affect the economy when corrupt wealth significantly multiplies? Where does this black money go, and what strategy should economists employ to curb corruption?

How do we manage the increasing national administrative expenses, particularly within the federal administration, as the ‘investment return’ of administrative costs? What is the ‘investment return’ of federal administrative expenses?

How has the fluctuation in the value of the dollar affected the economy in recent years, and what actions need to be taken in such circumstances?

When analyzing ‘inward remittances’, who monitors external remittances? How has the tax structure, focusing on ‘tax above business but below brokerage,’ influenced external remittances, and how are non-resident Nepalis expanding their investments? Have they secured funding from businesses like restaurants and petrol pumps? Why do Nepali entrepreneurs primarily seek investment through foreign travel? What is the state of the funds earned from the sale of Nepal’s ancestral property abroad? How are educational loans for students studying abroad managed?

Do you truly understand taxation, or is it merely a mathematical formula for collecting government administrative expenses? Has taxation, rather than being a facilitator, acted as a deterrent for entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in Nepal? If so, are we barking up the wrong tree? Is our economic path based on incorrect formulas, trapped within traditional perspectives, hindered by inadequate research methods, and constrained by outdated experts? Do we need to break free from our flawed assumptions and understanding? We demand answers.

Moreover, why the reluctance to promote the country’s growing exports through information technology? Why hesitate to critically analyze the actual importance and impact of our national pride programs? Why the hesitation to question the expenses of non-functional institutions and agencies?

If remittance is a key driver of Nepal’s economy, why hesitate to support foreign employment by making it more favorable, well-planned, transparent, modern, and honorable? 

While creating landless loans is nearly impossible, why restrict citizens’ access to funds for purchasing land worth about Rs 100 at a rate of nearly 30 rupees and not enact relevant legislation?

Why the skepticism about creating a conducive environment for the Nepal Stock Exchange Board to make bold decisions? Why has the burden of interest not been alleviated to facilitate access to funds and foster an environment that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation?

We insist on answers. What comes next? We don’t have all the answers, but you might. The nation has invested its hopes, aspirations, and faith in your knowledge, experience, and recognition. Failing to channel your economic expertise effectively would be a missed opportunity—embarrassing even. A knowledgeable expert can solve problems. Therefore, become empowered, self-reliant, and patriotic, transcending illusions and delusions. When does this new beginning occur, and how? We insist on answers.

This piece was inspired by a conversation with a banker 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent visit to China has significant implications for Nepal’s foreign policy. This visit comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Asian Games, and highlights Nepal’s evolving foreign policy and its intricate relationship with its northern neighbor. Due to the internal conflicts and a political opportunity resulting from the dissolution of the Parliament in July 2021, Dahal transitioned an alliance with the then NCP leader KP Sharma Oli to the Nepali Congress, signaling a noteworthy shift in Nepal’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for foreign policy. Both domestic and international factors drive this realignment. It raises questions about Nepal’s relationships with major global players, particularly China and India, as well as its standing in the global arena and the geopolitics of South Asia.

A complex relationship

Dynamic shifts and fluctuations have marked a complex relationship between Dahal and China. At the outset of his first term as prime minister in 2008, Dahal established a strong alliance with Beijing, marked by reciprocal support. However, the course of their engagement has been far from steady. In the lead-up to the 2022 elections, Dahal formed an electoral alliance with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led NCP to consolidate political power. Unfortunately, this alliance proved short-lived and ultimately resulted in a dramatic political split, strained Dahal’s relations with Oli and China, which had firmly supported the Oli-led government. This nuanced history illustrates the intricacies of Dahal’s interactions with China, showcasing the challenges and fluctuations in their relationship over the years.

A balancing act

Dahal’s recent move toward a closer alignment with the United States and India signifies Nepal’s deliberate pursuit of a balanced foreign relations strategy. His choice of India as his first official visit during his third tenure as prime minister earlier in the year demonstrates a clear intent to strengthen ties with that country. However, this diplomatic realignment is driven by the imperative to adapt to evolving global dynamics and safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty, given the complex interests of its more powerful neighbors. Rooted in Nepal’s enduring struggle for independence and its aspirations on the global stage, this commitment to a delicate equilibrium reflects the nation’s historical context. As a landlocked nation located between regional giants, Nepal’s leaders face the ongoing challenge of skillfully managing these relationships to protect their country’s interests and secure its continued independence in the international arena.

Chinese interests

China’s interests in Nepal are multifaceted and rooted in its broader geopolitical objectives. One key aspect is Nepal’s adherence to the one-China policy, which aligns with China’s core interests regarding Taiwan and Tibet. This alignment is crucial for China’s territorial integrity. Additionally, China seeks Nepal’s support in international diplomacy, development and security initiatives. Furthermore, Nepal’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) theoretically offers China a pathway to expand its regional economic influence and infrastructure.  However, the nine BRI projects signed in Nepal have yet to materialize, partly due to uncertainties surrounding their funding modalities. Strengthening connectivity with Nepal is a strategic avenue for China to extend its influence into South Asia, bolstering its regional presence.

Lastly, China’s ambition to cultivate a trusted and ‘strategic’ relationship with Nepal, as articulated by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Nepal in 2019, has remained a blueprint to direct China’s engagements in Nepal. Nevertheless, Nepal faces the challenge of balancing these multifaceted interests while safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests, demanding adept negotiation skills and a nuanced approach to harmonize democratic principles with its stance on the one-China policy, reflecting a delicate nature of Nepal’s relationship with its influential northern neighbor.

A ceremonial visit

While presented as an effort to strengthen Nepal-China relations, Dahal’s recent visit to China appeared more ceremonial than substantive. Despite engaging with high-ranking Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, and signing 12 agreements, the visit faced limited diplomatic expectations. There was widespread anticipation for Dahal to advocate Nepal’s national interests, particularly concerning the recent contentious Chinese map affecting Nepali territory. The joint statement of the visit primarily consisted of diplomatic pleasantries and reaffirmations of historical ties, with Nepal restating its commitment to the one-China policy but failing to secure reciprocal assurances regarding its concerns. While there were some encouraging elements in the agreements, such as border point reopenings and cooperation in sectors like the BRI, connectivity networks and renewable energy projects, the absence of a much-awaited Project Implementation Plan Agreement and the failure to convert the loan for Pokhara International Airport into a grant were notable misses for Nepal. While potentially financially challenging, Dahal’s commitment to exploring the feasibility of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway was a notable development.

Dahal’s prioritization of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) over Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) underscores Nepal’s cautious and balanced approach to international security matters. This stance reflects Nepal’s commitment to avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries and safeguarding its sovereignty. Nepal aims to maintain stability in a volatile region by emphasizing development over security, in line with its historical stance of neutrality and non-alignment. The visit ultimately became a standard bilateral exchange; ambitious agreements hold promise, but their impact on the ground level has been limited, reflecting their token nature. 

The way forward

As Prime Minister Dahal’s visit to China marks a pivotal moment for Nepal’s foreign policy, the nation stands at a critical juncture, given its evolving political landscape and changing alliances with regional and international powers. Navigating this landscape requires strategic diplomacy to safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty. Success hinges on the effective execution of agreements and carefully evaluating their implications, shaping Nepal’s foreign policy trajectory to align with its national interests and global aspirations while fostering confidence-building measures with China.

The author is a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in International Relations from South Asian University, New Delhi and is a junior researcher at the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism in Lalitpur, Nepal

Since the provincial assembly elections on December 26, 2022, Koshi has witnessed a series of changes in leadership. Hikmat Karki from the CPN-UML and Uddhav Thapa from the Nepali Congress both took turns as chief minister within a short period. However, their administrations fell as they failed to win a vote of confidence.

Presently, Kedar Karki, aligned with Nepali Congress’ anti-establishment faction, has been sworn in as the chief minister of Koshi province, succeeding Parshuram Khapung, the province chief, in compliance with Article 168 of the Constitution. He secured his position on Saturday with the backing of 47 members of the Province Assembly. Karki, known for his proximity to NC leader Shekhar Koirala, managed to clinch the chief ministership with the support of 39 PA members from CPN-UML and eight PA members from the NC, despite opposition from the coalition government at the Center against a new coalition in Koshi.

Currently, Koshi has sidestepped the need for midterm elections. However, the political turmoil unfolding in Koshi since the Nov 2022 polls is a glaring example of the avarice within the Nepali political fraternity. It unequivocally reflects how the country’s precarious state in every aspect can be attributed to the actions of politicians. These political leaders demonstrate an inability to govern the country in an organized manner and adhere to the constitutional framework. Because of these politicians, the constitution has become nothing but an ordinary paper.

In the past, Nepal maintained a cohesive foreign policy that garnered respect. However, this approach was disregarded by politicians, and they have struggled to formulate a coherent replacement. Our political leaders express divergent views on the national foreign policy. Even the same politicians present varying stances in different gatherings and platforms. For instance, when visiting the US, they endorse the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Conversely, during visits to China, they show appreciation for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Their positions are contradictory.

Nepal has sufficient natural, human, financial and infrastructural resources that can be utilized or managed effectively to enhance the country’s economic, social and overall development. These resources include minerals, water resources, agricultural land, skilled workforce, tourism potential and more. With proper planning, utilization and management of these resources, Nepal can achieve growth, improve living standards and enhance its overall prosperity. But a failed leadership has kept the country in a mess.

Despite operating within a multi-party system, Nepal is increasingly trending toward an autocratic and a single-party rule due to the prevalent practice of forming coalitions. Consequently, this trend has diminished parliamentary competitiveness. The present ruling coalition perceives itself as beyond the bounds of the Constitution and has engaged in numerous actions that surpass the confines of the legal framework.

Even neighboring countries have not extended us significant help in maintaining peace, prosperity and fostering development. It's evident that they prioritize actions that align with their own interests, and it is our responsibility to ensure our own well-being. 

At present, the Nepali Congress holds a pivotal position in the Parliament. It should ideally lead the country, but the current leadership of the party appears to lack a clear direction. They have struggled to maintain the traditional essence and values of the party. Given the state of Nepali political parties, our parliamentary system is at the risk of faltering.

There is an urgent need for a strong leadership within the Nepali Congress. As the largest democratic party in Nepal, it’s vital for the party to function effectively and set a proper course. This would not only benefit the party but also contribute positively to the national political landscape.

What if political parties, especially the Congress, fail to deliver? Such failure could lead the country toward another wave of political change, something we have been witnessing over the decades. 

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades