Protestors in Nepal Toss Currency Notes in Air: A Symbol of Fury Amid Gen Z Uprising
On September 8, 2025, the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, erupted in chaos as thousands of young protestors, predominantly Gen Z, clashed with security forces in a dramatic escalation of unrest. Among the striking images from the protests was a powerful act of defiance: demonstrators tossing currency notes into the air as they stormed government buildings and set fire to symbols of authority. This blog delves into the significance of this symbolic gesture, the reasons behind the protests, and what it reveals about Nepal’s volatile socio-political landscape.
The Gen Z Protests: A Spark Ignited
The protests that gripped Kathmandu were fueled by a potent mix of grievances—government corruption, economic inequality, and a controversial ban on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. The ban, enacted on September 4, 2025, after platforms failed to comply with new registration requirements, was seen as an attack on free speech in a country where 90% of the population uses the internet. For Nepal’s youth, who rely heavily on social media to connect with families abroad and voice dissent, the ban was the final straw in a long list of frustrations.
The demonstrations began at 9 a.m. on September 8 in Maitighar, a busy Kathmandu neighborhood, and quickly spread to other parts of the city, including the Parliament complex in New Baneshwor. Protestors, many in school and college uniforms, carried signs reading “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Youths against corruption.” The unrest turned deadly when police fired live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100. Amid this violence, the act of tossing currency notes into the air emerged as a vivid symbol of rebellion.
Why Toss Currency Notes?
The act of throwing currency notes into the air was not random—it was a deliberate gesture loaded with meaning. As protestors looted the homes of politicians, including the Energy Minister’s residence, and stormed government buildings, scattering money became a powerful statement. Here’s why:
Symbol of Corruption: In Nepal, where the per capita income is just $1,300 a year, videos of politicians’ lavish lifestyles have fueled public anger. The tossed currency notes symbolized ill-gotten wealth, with protestors accusing the ruling elite of hoarding money while ordinary citizens struggle with soaring inflation and unemployment. The act was a visceral rejection of systemic corruption, exemplified by cases like the 2017 Airbus deal, which cost the nation $10.4 million due to corrupt practices.
Defiance Against Authority: Throwing money into the air was a public display of contempt for a government seen as out of touch. By scattering currency—often a carefully guarded resource in a cash-driven economy—protestors signaled that their fight was not for personal gain but for systemic change. This act echoed similar symbolic gestures in other South Asian protests, such as those in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where public outrage toppled governments.
A Viral Moment: In an era of social media, even a banned one, the image of currency notes fluttering through the air was designed to capture attention. Despite the social media blackout, platforms like Viber and TikTok, which had registered with the government, allowed protestors to share videos of their actions, amplifying their message globally. The visual of money raining down became a rallying cry for Nepal’s youth, dubbed the “Gen Z protest.”
The Backdrop: Nepal’s Deep-Seated Issues
The protests were not just about the social media ban—they were the culmination of years of discontent. Nepal has faced chronic political instability since the monarchy was abolished in 2008, with 13 governments formed in 17 years. This instability, coupled with rampant corruption and a struggling economy, has left many young Nepalis disillusioned. Over 7.5% of the population lives abroad, often as migrant workers, relying on platforms like WhatsApp to stay connected with families. The sudden ban on these platforms felt like an assault on both communication and freedom.
Economic woes further fueled the unrest. Nepal’s youth face limited job prospects, forcing millions to seek work in the Middle East, South Korea, and Malaysia. A 2024 survey by Himalmedia revealed growing support for reversing the country’s secular status and reinstating a Hindu monarchy, reflecting widespread frustration with the current system. The protests also drew inspiration from recent uprisings in Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024), where youth-led movements ousted entrenched governments.
The Role of Currency in the Protests
The tossed currency notes were primarily Nepalese rupees, though the exact denominations remain unclear from reports. Nepal’s currency, managed by the Nepal Rastra Bank, has been a point of contention in recent years, particularly over a redesigned Rs 100 note featuring a map that includes disputed territories with India (Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani). While this issue was not directly linked to the protests, it underscores how currency can become a flashpoint for nationalistic sentiments, further amplifying the symbolic weight of throwing money into the air.
The act of scattering money also highlighted economic disparities. Reports of lawmakers receiving housing allowances nearly ten times the minimum wage in Kathmandu sparked outrage, especially amid rising inflation. By tossing currency, protestors visually rejected a system they see as prioritizing elite wealth over public welfare.
The Aftermath and What’s Next
The protests forced significant concessions. On September 9, 2025, the government lifted the social media ban, restoring access to 26 platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and several cabinet ministers resigned, and a curfew was imposed in Kathmandu to curb further violence. However, protestors continued to defy restrictions, setting fire to government buildings and attacking media offices, signaling that their demands—for accountability, economic reform, and democratic freedoms—remain unmet.
The involvement of pro-monarchy groups, including supporters of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, added complexity to the unrest. Some speculate that royalist factions may have fueled the protests to push for a return to a constitutional monarchy, a sentiment that has gained traction amid dissatisfaction with the republic.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
The image of currency notes floating through Kathmandu’s smoky skies is more than a dramatic moment—it’s a snapshot of a nation grappling with deep-rooted issues. Nepal’s Gen Z protestors, by tossing money into the air, sent a clear message: they reject a system that prioritizes corruption and control over their future. As the country navigates this crisis, the world watches to see whether these protests will lead to meaningful change or further instability. For now, the scattered notes serve as a haunting reminder of a generation’s demand for justice in a country teetering on the edge.
