Nepal blocks king fete
Kathmandu, Sept. 21: Two years after the abolition of monarchy, Nepal’s deposed monarch, Mr Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, was at the heart of a fresh row with the government preventing him from attending a religious programme at the palace of his ancestors, citing security concerns
The ousted king was stopped at the last moment from going to the Basantapur Palace, from where his ancestors had ruled Nepal, to be the chief guest at a programme smacking of a campaign for the restoration of the Hindu kingdom.
Organised by the Yuva Bishwa Hindu Mahasangh, the programme included felicitating nine former kumaris — women who had once been appointed Nepal’s living goddess.
After the abolition of monarchy in 2008, the President had taken over all royal duties, including making offerings to the kumari. Tuesday’s programme, therefore, was regarded as a virtual campaign by the Mahasangh for the restoration of monarchy.
Post new comment