National Anthem of Nepal (नेपाल) - “Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka” (सयौं थुँगा फूलका)

After the revolutions of spring 2006 against the monarchy, Nepal sought to replace her pro-monarchy anthem with a new one in a public contest. The winner, Pradeep Kumar Rai [writing under the pen name Byakul Maila (व्याकुल माइला)] was selected from 1,272 submissions. During the submission process, Rai and his family were interviewed several times to prove he was not a monarchist, since he, for one, edited a book of poetry that contained a submission from the king.

The new anthem was officially declared on August 3, 2007. Despite the lyrics speaking of diversity, peace, and unity, the anthem is seen as highly tied to the Maoist government that controls Nepal, whereas some of the Maoists themselves want a more revolutionary anthem.

(description c/o nationalanthems.info)