In Kathmandu, Nepal, young activists protested the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by staging demonstrations where participants smeared turmeric powder on their faces, impersonated the dead by lying on sidewalks and painting themselves with red ink, and held signs calling for accountability. They pointed to reports of women being raped in quarantine facilities and Dalits being discriminated against, and criticised a government advisory that turmeric, garlic and hot water could defeat the virus. The protests highlighted demands for greater transparency, effective contact tracing and fair treatment during the crisis