another religion. Nepal also passed a more stringent anti-conversion law in 2017. Secularism Nepal was declared as a 'secular state' in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy and formation of democracy as a criterion for running the nation on the path of equality, fraternity, freedom, justice and liberty. The five main provisions of Secularism in Nepal are as follows: 1) A clause stating that "Religious and cultural freedom, with the protection of religion and culture practiced since ancient times". This has been questioned by some people who say that it indirectly favours "Hinduism" as a state-sponsored religion. 2) Proselytising remains illegal. 3) Critics says that the constitution discriminates against women in terms of passing on citizenship rights and the citizenship policy was hotly debated during the drafting of the constitution. 4) The state and the judiciary are prohibited from discriminating against sexual and gender minorities. The constitution is the first in Asia to specifically protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. 5) The rhododendron is the national flower, and the cow, which is a holy animal in Hinduism, is the national animal. Demographics Hinduism in Nepalese culture According to Nepalese theology, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva came to Nepal in the form of deer. Establishment of Nepal by Ne Muni King Muni used to perform religious ceremonies at Teku, the confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. He selected Bhuktaman to be the first king in the line of the Gopal (Cowherd) Dynasty. The Gopal dynasty ruled for 300 years. Yakshya Yadav was the last king of this dynasty. The Kirat Dynasty ruled for 550–800 years. The first king of Kirat Yalambar and Gasti was the last king of this dynasty. The Licchavi dynasty ruled for 200–350 years. The Malla dynasty ruled for 400–600 years. The Shah dynasty ruled for 300 years. Flag of Nepal The current flag of Nepal was established in 1962 and depicts a white moon and crescent shape emitting eight rays above a white sun emitting 12 rays. See also Buddhism in Nepal Newar Buddhism Banishment of Buddhist monks from Nepal Hinduism in Nepal Newar Hinduism Gurung shamanism Islam in Nepal Nepali Muslims Judaism in Nepal Christianity in Nepal Roman Catholicism in Nepal Jainism in Nepal Bahá'í Faith in Nepal Sikhism in Nepal Irreligion in Nepal References Sources