The first day of 'peaceful' strike ended up with numerous cases of police brutality against democratic rallies. Over 450 demonstrators were arrested in Kathmandu alone and many political activists and academics were put under house arrest.

As the evening approached, despite curfew only a few hours away people gathered in Asan to celebrate the first night of Machindranath god. With no security force in sight, the atmoshphere was relaxed and clam with young boys riding and running around the chariot, women lighting butter lamps and men singing devotional songs.

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PICS: NARESH NEWAR