British ColumbiaThe Nepalese communities in Surrey and Victoria, B.C., came together Tuesday for vigils to support the protests in Nepal and to honour those who died.Candlelight vigils in Surrey and Victoria show support for Gen Z protestersLauren Vanderdeen · CBC News · Posted: Sep 10, 2025 1:43 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 10Madhu Acharya, president of the Hindu Buddhist Foundation of Canada, and Govinda Chhetri, B.C. co-ordinator for Non-Resident Nepali Association, speak about the protests in Nepal at a vigil held in Surrey, B.C., Tuesday. (Srini Madhavan/CBC)As the sun set Tuesday evening, more than 200 members of the Lower Mainland Nepalese community gathered for a vigil in Surrey, B.C., to honour those who died in the recent Nepal protests.The last two days have been filled with turmoil, as protests expressing frustration with government corruption turned violent.Police opened fire on protesters, leaving 19 dead in the capital city of Kathmandu and eastern city Itahari.They were remembered as Nepalese community members came together at a Surrey temple.Madhu Acharya, president of the Hindu Buddhist Foundation of Canada, said the candlelight vigil was to pray for the departed souls to rest in peace.WATCH | B.C. supporters call for peace and justice in Nepal amid protests: Nepalese community in B.C. holds vigil for young protesters killed in demonstrationsA candlelight vigil was held in Surrey, B.C., for the people who died in recent protests in Nepal. Anti-corruption protests have escalated in the country’s capital Kathmandu, and several government buildings were set on fire. A large crowd gathered to honour those who died in the protests. Meera Bains reports.”We gather here to show our support to the community back home, and say, ‘Hey, we are always there in the difficult time,'” Acharya said.He said the community is disturbed by the violence seen Nepal, but he hopes a regime change will improve the country’s development.Many young people in the country can’t find work, with the unemployment rate hovering around 20 per cent, according to the World Bank. The overall unemployment rate rose to 12.6 per cent in 2024, according to Nepal’s National Statistics Office. Members of the Nepalese community in B.C.’s Lower Mainland gathered Tuesday at a temple in Surrey to honour those who died in the protests in Nepal. (Srini Madhavan/CBC)Acharya said thousands of young people are leaving Nepal as they can’t find work.”We want a happy and prosperous Nepal,” he said.Govinda Chhetri, B.C. co-ordinator for Non-Resident Nepali Association and director of the Hindu Buddhist Foundation, highlighted how fast the government fell.”Nobody has expected this to happen — and nobody knew that the power of Gen Z was that strong.”He added the situation is still evolving and he still has some worries as buildings continue to burn.”Hopefully this will lead to better governance, that is [receptive] to all Nepalese — in Nepal and everywhere.”A protester throws a photograph of Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in the fire at the Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepal’s government’s various ministries and offices during a protest against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday. (Niranjan Shrestha/The Associated Press)In Victoria, B.C.’s capital, the Nepalese Society of Vancouver Island hosted a vigil at the legislative building.Teg Khadka, Nepalese Society vice-president, said the last two days have been very emotional.”It is heartbreaking to see what is happening in Nepal right now. When you feel you cannot do much, but your heart wants to be there and do as much as you can … you’re kind of tied.”Khadka said the catalyst for the protests was when the government banned 26 major social media platforms, but added it was just a tipping point.”It was really years of frustration of Nepalese people over corruption, nepotism and lack of opportunity,” Khadka said.Back in Surrey, Khem Dahal said it’s important for the Nepalese community to congregate.Khem Dahal, member of the Lower Mainland Nepali community, said he hopes for a better future for Nepal. (Srini Madhavan/CBC)”We live here, and our families are there…. They were fighting for the right reasons,” Dahal said.He said he hopes for elections in due course.”I am hopeful that, this time, the government will be led by the young people, under 30…. It is time for them to lead.”Nepal has been politically unstable since it abolished a 239-year-old monarchy in 2008. There have been 14 governments since 2008, not one of which has completed a full five-year term.More than 200 members of the Nepalese community in B.C.’s Lower Mainland gathered at a temple in Surrey, B.C., Tuesday to honour those killed in the protests in Nepal. (Srini Madhavan/CBC)ABOUT THE AUTHORLauren Vanderdeen is a web writer for CBC British Columbia. She formerly worked for community newspapers, including the Burnaby Now and New West Record. You can reach her at lauren.vanderdeen@cbc.ca.With files from Johna Baylon, Jason D’Souza, Salimah Shivji and Reuters
B.C. Nepalese community holds vigils to honour those killed in protests
