POKHARA, NEPAL – The front page of Nepal’s second largest English daily newspaper printed the headline: “Astrologers Predict Government by May 28.”

There has been no real government here since the Prime Minister resigned under pressure of violent street protests nearly two weeks ago. Protesters have continued creating unrest in the streets despite the resignation. Today is the 45th day of demonstrations. Students burn tires and hurl bricks at police, while political party members mass in the roads waving flags.

The newspaper’s editors quote astrologers who have somehow managed to assign the each of the country’s political players with zodiac signs. The Maoist guerrillas are “Leo,” and the five pro-democracy political parties are “Virgo.” The King is an Aquarius by birth.

The fact that astrological signs are depended on for political analysis by the mainstream news is telling of perspective on life in this country. Fatalism is deep rooted in Nepali culture. The two major life decisions that are available to most people in the Western world — the choice of a mate and the choice of a career — are predetermined for most Nepalis. Arranged marriages are still the norm, and the caste system still dictates an inherited career for those living in the rural areas where traditions hold firm.

A widespread belief in Nepal is that when a baby is born a god writes the hour of the child’s death on its forehead. The underlying philosophy in the country is anything of importance is already decided by others — by gods, the stars, and fate.

The Maoists of course, as indoctrinated communists, don’t share the same beliefs and superstitions. That may help explain why they have grown and spread across the country so fast despite inferior firepower. While many are trusting that Nepal’s troubles will be decided up in the heavens, the Maoists have put their energy in to dominating the firm ground.

[Copyright Tomas van Houtryve. Do not copy, archive or re-post without written permission. All rights reserved.]