The 200 year old Hindu monarchy collapsed in 2006 after a decade long civil war with the Maoists. A new government was formed supposed on the basis of making the country a secular state, abolishing the old Hindu kingdom. Whilst the constitution is still being debated upon, and Christians want formal recognition of their faith in the constitution to protect them against persecution, the Christian faith is slowly bringing in new converts. It is estimated that there are about 1.5 million Christians in the country, or about 6% of the population. Meanwhile in the valley of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Christianity is slowly being felt in the streets, from vendors selling images of Jesus to Christians boldly proclaiming their faith in the streets of Kathmandu. Kathmandu had been popularly described as a place in which every other corner stood a shrine, so this gentle rise of Christians in the country is slowly being felt in society.