Prerana Marasini
http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101053701600.htm
President Ram Baran Yadav offers ‘tika’ to citizens
KATHMANDU: Celebrating the main festival of Nepali Hindus, President Ram Baran Yadav offered ‘tika’ (a mixture of rice, vermillion, and curd) to national and international citizens in the capital on Thursday.
Mr. Yadav offered the blessings of the festival in the capacity of head of State of the Himalayan country, which was until 2006 a Hindu Kingdom. Among others, Vice-President Paramananda Jha and Deputy Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam received ‘tika’ from the President.
Likewise, the former royal couple, Gyanendra Shah and Komal Shah, also offered Dashain blessings to former ministers, former army personnel and the general public.
Kamal Thapa, former Home Minister and now chairperson of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, after receiving the blessings, told journalists that Nepalis still have a soft corner for monarchy.
Hundreds of people had gathered at Nirmal Niwas (Shah’s private residence, though they live in Nagarjun Palace) in Maharjguj to get the blessings from the former royal couple.
Earlier, the kings used to formally offer Dashain blessings to ministers, officials and the general public; but now that monarchy is abolished in the country, the ex-royal couple organised the programme at their private residence.
PTI reports:
In a message, President Yadav extended best wishes to all the Nepalese on the occasion and wished that communal harmony and national unity prevailed in the country.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thousands seek blessings of Nepal's former king
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35876720081009
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - About 5,000 people lined up in front of the private home of Nepal's ousted King Gyanendra on Thursday to seek his blessings on an important Hindu festival, his first as a commoner.
The king's loyalists, many of them ministers and senior officials during his absolute rule which ended in 2006, stood in queues for more than an hour to greet Gyanendra on the 10th day of the Dasain festival, when people seek the blessings of elders.
Gyanendra and his wife Komal applied red vermilion paste to the foreheads of people, some on wheelchairs and others with crutches, outside their heavily guarded home in the capital Kathmandu.
"I feel very happy to receive their blessings," said 75-year-old Ripu Sudan Thapa after he greeted the former royal couple, who sat on chairs in front of their home.
Nepal abandoned its 239-year-old monarchy in May and became a republic following a deal with former Maoist rebels to end their decade-long civil war.
Gyanendra left his official palace in June and has since been living in a former hunting lodge outside the Nepali capital.
The Maoist former rebels are now heading a coalition government meant to oversee the preparation of a new constitution and cap a peace process which began in 2006.
(For the latest Reuters news on Nepal see: in.reuters.com, for blogs see blogs.reuters.com/in/)
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - About 5,000 people lined up in front of the private home of Nepal's ousted King Gyanendra on Thursday to seek his blessings on an important Hindu festival, his first as a commoner.
The king's loyalists, many of them ministers and senior officials during his absolute rule which ended in 2006, stood in queues for more than an hour to greet Gyanendra on the 10th day of the Dasain festival, when people seek the blessings of elders.
Gyanendra and his wife Komal applied red vermilion paste to the foreheads of people, some on wheelchairs and others with crutches, outside their heavily guarded home in the capital Kathmandu.
"I feel very happy to receive their blessings," said 75-year-old Ripu Sudan Thapa after he greeted the former royal couple, who sat on chairs in front of their home.
Nepal abandoned its 239-year-old monarchy in May and became a republic following a deal with former Maoist rebels to end their decade-long civil war.
Gyanendra left his official palace in June and has since been living in a former hunting lodge outside the Nepali capital.
The Maoist former rebels are now heading a coalition government meant to oversee the preparation of a new constitution and cap a peace process which began in 2006.
(For the latest Reuters news on Nepal see: in.reuters.com, for blogs see blogs.reuters.com/in/)
Popularity test for King Gyanendra
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200810041333.htm
Kathmandu (PTI): Dethroned King Gyanendra's public rating would be put to test on Vijaya Dashami, to see if ordinary Nepalese still seek his blessings and 'Tika' or they turn to new President of the Republic Ram Baran Yadav.
Government daily Gorkhapatra has issued a notice saying that those wishing to receive Tika on their forehead on Vijaya Dashami may visit President Baran's official residence at Dhapasi.
King Gyanendra till last year, before the abolition of monarchy, offered Tika from Narayanhity Palace to his loyalists, the general public and government employees, who were strictly instructed to participate in the function.
But this time, the deposed king will shift temporarily to Nirmal Niwas situated one km west of the main Narayanhity Palace to observe the ceremony as an ordinary citizen. Nirmal Niwas is currently occupied by his daugther-in-law Himain and grand son, while son Paras is residing in Singapore.
The occasion will prove as an acid test to his popularity as it remains to be seen if people will seek his blessings or wish to receive the 'Tika' from President Yadav who will perform the ritual at his official residence in Dhapasi.
In his first public appearance, after he was stripped off his powers, the former king met Indian saint Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Bhaktapur on Thursday and wished the people ahead of Vijaya Dashami.
Kathmandu (PTI): Dethroned King Gyanendra's public rating would be put to test on Vijaya Dashami, to see if ordinary Nepalese still seek his blessings and 'Tika' or they turn to new President of the Republic Ram Baran Yadav.
Government daily Gorkhapatra has issued a notice saying that those wishing to receive Tika on their forehead on Vijaya Dashami may visit President Baran's official residence at Dhapasi.
King Gyanendra till last year, before the abolition of monarchy, offered Tika from Narayanhity Palace to his loyalists, the general public and government employees, who were strictly instructed to participate in the function.
But this time, the deposed king will shift temporarily to Nirmal Niwas situated one km west of the main Narayanhity Palace to observe the ceremony as an ordinary citizen. Nirmal Niwas is currently occupied by his daugther-in-law Himain and grand son, while son Paras is residing in Singapore.
The occasion will prove as an acid test to his popularity as it remains to be seen if people will seek his blessings or wish to receive the 'Tika' from President Yadav who will perform the ritual at his official residence in Dhapasi.
In his first public appearance, after he was stripped off his powers, the former king met Indian saint Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Bhaktapur on Thursday and wished the people ahead of Vijaya Dashami.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sacked Nepal king gets festival reprieve
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/sacked-nepal-king-gets-festival-reprieve_100101329.html
Kathmandu, Sep 29 (IANS) Nepal’s last king Gyanendra, who was formally stripped of his crown four months ago and was compelled to vacate his ancestral palace in June, has received a festival reprieve from the new Maoist government.The deposed monarch, who has been residing in the Nagarjuna summer palace, once a hunting lodge of his forefathers, began readying to quit the mansion and take up abode in his assassinated younger brother’s villa when the Maoists formed the new government.
On Monday, the Tarun weekly, which is close to the opposition Nepali Congress party, said the anti-monarchy Maoists had agreed to allow the ex-king to retain the old palace since he was once head of state.
It said the former king, living in virtual exile, had sent an emissary to the Maoist government which subsequently decided to let him live on in Nagarjuna.
Gyanendra’s stepmother Ratna has also been allowed to continue living in her own residence in the Narayanhity royal palace. The octogenarian refused to leave it, saying it was steeped in the memory of her husband Mahendra and she would breathe her last there.
Perhaps heartened by the new understanding with the Maoists, the former king, who has been leading a low-key life in the remote mansion, continued with the tradition begun when the Shah kings were omnipotent.
The former king and queen, Komal, issued their customary greetings and well wishes for the upcoming Dashain festival, to the people.
However, the greetings cards were signed by the former royal couple as ordinary citizens, without the earlier prefix of “His and Her Majesty”.
Soon after Gyanendra’s departure — the sequel to the anti-monarchy wave that resulted in the abolition of monarchy and the state takeover of all royal palaces — the Narayanhity royal palace was declared a national museum by the government.
However, the then government of prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala conceded the king’s request to let him move into the Nagarjuna palace on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley till he was able to locate a suitable alternative residence.
The decision triggered a public outcry with civil society members opposing the move. “Give beggars alms, not palaces,” said the placards borne by the protesters during street rallies.
After Nepal’s former Maoist guerrilla party, which had waged a 10-year war to unseat the king, came to power in August, it was expected that the new Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ would revoke the earlier decision and order the deposed king to leave his new residence as well.
However, more than a month after the Maoists came to power, there is no indication that Gyanendra would be turned out of his sanctuary.
Kathmandu, Sep 29 (IANS) Nepal’s last king Gyanendra, who was formally stripped of his crown four months ago and was compelled to vacate his ancestral palace in June, has received a festival reprieve from the new Maoist government.The deposed monarch, who has been residing in the Nagarjuna summer palace, once a hunting lodge of his forefathers, began readying to quit the mansion and take up abode in his assassinated younger brother’s villa when the Maoists formed the new government.
On Monday, the Tarun weekly, which is close to the opposition Nepali Congress party, said the anti-monarchy Maoists had agreed to allow the ex-king to retain the old palace since he was once head of state.
It said the former king, living in virtual exile, had sent an emissary to the Maoist government which subsequently decided to let him live on in Nagarjuna.
Gyanendra’s stepmother Ratna has also been allowed to continue living in her own residence in the Narayanhity royal palace. The octogenarian refused to leave it, saying it was steeped in the memory of her husband Mahendra and she would breathe her last there.
Perhaps heartened by the new understanding with the Maoists, the former king, who has been leading a low-key life in the remote mansion, continued with the tradition begun when the Shah kings were omnipotent.
The former king and queen, Komal, issued their customary greetings and well wishes for the upcoming Dashain festival, to the people.
However, the greetings cards were signed by the former royal couple as ordinary citizens, without the earlier prefix of “His and Her Majesty”.
Soon after Gyanendra’s departure — the sequel to the anti-monarchy wave that resulted in the abolition of monarchy and the state takeover of all royal palaces — the Narayanhity royal palace was declared a national museum by the government.
However, the then government of prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala conceded the king’s request to let him move into the Nagarjuna palace on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley till he was able to locate a suitable alternative residence.
The decision triggered a public outcry with civil society members opposing the move. “Give beggars alms, not palaces,” said the placards borne by the protesters during street rallies.
After Nepal’s former Maoist guerrilla party, which had waged a 10-year war to unseat the king, came to power in August, it was expected that the new Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ would revoke the earlier decision and order the deposed king to leave his new residence as well.
However, more than a month after the Maoists came to power, there is no indication that Gyanendra would be turned out of his sanctuary.
Sacked Nepal king gets festival reprieve
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/sacked-nepal-king-gets-festival-reprieve_100101329.html
Kathmandu, Sep 29 (IANS) Nepal’s last king Gyanendra, who was formally stripped of his crown four months ago and was compelled to vacate his ancestral palace in June, has received a festival reprieve from the new Maoist government.The deposed monarch, who has been residing in the Nagarjuna summer palace, once a hunting lodge of his forefathers, began readying to quit the mansion and take up abode in his assassinated younger brother’s villa when the Maoists formed the new government.
On Monday, the Tarun weekly, which is close to the opposition Nepali Congress party, said the anti-monarchy Maoists had agreed to allow the ex-king to retain the old palace since he was once head of state.
It said the former king, living in virtual exile, had sent an emissary to the Maoist government which subsequently decided to let him live on in Nagarjuna.
Gyanendra’s stepmother Ratna has also been allowed to continue living in her own residence in the Narayanhity royal palace. The octogenarian refused to leave it, saying it was steeped in the memory of her husband Mahendra and she would breathe her last there.
Perhaps heartened by the new understanding with the Maoists, the former king, who has been leading a low-key life in the remote mansion, continued with the tradition begun when the Shah kings were omnipotent.
The former king and queen, Komal, issued their customary greetings and well wishes for the upcoming Dashain festival, to the people.
However, the greetings cards were signed by the former royal couple as ordinary citizens, without the earlier prefix of “His and Her Majesty”.
Soon after Gyanendra’s departure — the sequel to the anti-monarchy wave that resulted in the abolition of monarchy and the state takeover of all royal palaces — the Narayanhity royal palace was declared a national museum by the government.
However, the then government of prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala conceded the king’s request to let him move into the Nagarjuna palace on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley till he was able to locate a suitable alternative residence.
The decision triggered a public outcry with civil society members opposing the move. “Give beggars alms, not palaces,” said the placards borne by the protesters during street rallies.
After Nepal’s former Maoist guerrilla party, which had waged a 10-year war to unseat the king, came to power in August, it was expected that the new Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ would revoke the earlier decision and order the deposed king to leave his new residence as well.
However, more than a month after the Maoists came to power, there is no indication that Gyanendra would be turned out of his sanctuary.
Kathmandu, Sep 29 (IANS) Nepal’s last king Gyanendra, who was formally stripped of his crown four months ago and was compelled to vacate his ancestral palace in June, has received a festival reprieve from the new Maoist government.The deposed monarch, who has been residing in the Nagarjuna summer palace, once a hunting lodge of his forefathers, began readying to quit the mansion and take up abode in his assassinated younger brother’s villa when the Maoists formed the new government.
On Monday, the Tarun weekly, which is close to the opposition Nepali Congress party, said the anti-monarchy Maoists had agreed to allow the ex-king to retain the old palace since he was once head of state.
It said the former king, living in virtual exile, had sent an emissary to the Maoist government which subsequently decided to let him live on in Nagarjuna.
Gyanendra’s stepmother Ratna has also been allowed to continue living in her own residence in the Narayanhity royal palace. The octogenarian refused to leave it, saying it was steeped in the memory of her husband Mahendra and she would breathe her last there.
Perhaps heartened by the new understanding with the Maoists, the former king, who has been leading a low-key life in the remote mansion, continued with the tradition begun when the Shah kings were omnipotent.
The former king and queen, Komal, issued their customary greetings and well wishes for the upcoming Dashain festival, to the people.
However, the greetings cards were signed by the former royal couple as ordinary citizens, without the earlier prefix of “His and Her Majesty”.
Soon after Gyanendra’s departure — the sequel to the anti-monarchy wave that resulted in the abolition of monarchy and the state takeover of all royal palaces — the Narayanhity royal palace was declared a national museum by the government.
However, the then government of prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala conceded the king’s request to let him move into the Nagarjuna palace on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley till he was able to locate a suitable alternative residence.
The decision triggered a public outcry with civil society members opposing the move. “Give beggars alms, not palaces,” said the placards borne by the protesters during street rallies.
After Nepal’s former Maoist guerrilla party, which had waged a 10-year war to unseat the king, came to power in August, it was expected that the new Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ would revoke the earlier decision and order the deposed king to leave his new residence as well.
However, more than a month after the Maoists came to power, there is no indication that Gyanendra would be turned out of his sanctuary.
Ex-Crown Princess Himani’s tête-à-tête with Nepal media
TGW - Ex-King Gyanendra’s sober and charming daughter-in-law Mrs. Himani Shah in a surprising encounter with the media men in the Pashupati Nath Temple Kathmandu yesterday October 1, 2008, has said that moving to Singapore from Nepal was primarily meant for the education of her children.
“We do not have any plans to permanently reside in Singapore”.
On July 17, 2008 former Crown Princes Himani and her children had left for Singapore after Nepal was declared republic on May 28, 2008 by the Constituent Assembly.
Himani who is currently in Kathmandu to celebrate the Dashain festival also observed her 32nd Birthday on Wednesday October 02, 2008.
Mrs. Shah nevertheless, preferred to remain tight lipped when asked by the media men as to how she felt being a normal citizen after monarchy abolished in Nepal?
Mrs. Shah is married to ex-crown prince Paras Shah –who currently in Singapore is also shortly to arrive home to celebrate greatest Hindu festival Bada Dashain together with his father-Ex-King Gyanendra.2008-10-02 08:39:21
“We do not have any plans to permanently reside in Singapore”.
On July 17, 2008 former Crown Princes Himani and her children had left for Singapore after Nepal was declared republic on May 28, 2008 by the Constituent Assembly.
Himani who is currently in Kathmandu to celebrate the Dashain festival also observed her 32nd Birthday on Wednesday October 02, 2008.
Mrs. Shah nevertheless, preferred to remain tight lipped when asked by the media men as to how she felt being a normal citizen after monarchy abolished in Nepal?
Mrs. Shah is married to ex-crown prince Paras Shah –who currently in Singapore is also shortly to arrive home to celebrate greatest Hindu festival Bada Dashain together with his father-Ex-King Gyanendra.2008-10-02 08:39:21
Nepal’s Ex-King makes first public appearance
TGW http://telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=4166
Amid tight security, Nepal’s last monarch Gyanendra Shah today visited the Aashram of Swami Kripalu Maharaj -“Shyama-Shyam Dham” in the Bhaktapur district.
Former King Gyanendra left the Nagarjun Palace at exactly 11:30 AM and rushed to the Bhaktapur Ashram where he stayed for over an hour.
Volley of questions greeted the former King from the media men who asked questions primarily on Nepal’s latest political events.
Media reports add, local people in huge numbers thronged to see their former monarch at the Ashram.
He, however, remained tight lipped apparently not to embarrass the ruling coalition, say reports.
Nevertheless when pressed hard Gyanendra Shah said, “I have only a desire left and that is all the Nepali citizens live in Peace and Prosperity”.
King Gyanendra was accompanied by his better-half Komal.
With Dashain festival going on since September 30, 2008, ex-King Gyanendra and his family have increased their religious activities.
Staunch royalists are expected to accept vermillion Tika from the ex-King on the tenth day of the festival, October 9, 2008.2008-10-02 13:21:02
Amid tight security, Nepal’s last monarch Gyanendra Shah today visited the Aashram of Swami Kripalu Maharaj -“Shyama-Shyam Dham” in the Bhaktapur district.
Former King Gyanendra left the Nagarjun Palace at exactly 11:30 AM and rushed to the Bhaktapur Ashram where he stayed for over an hour.
Volley of questions greeted the former King from the media men who asked questions primarily on Nepal’s latest political events.
Media reports add, local people in huge numbers thronged to see their former monarch at the Ashram.
He, however, remained tight lipped apparently not to embarrass the ruling coalition, say reports.
Nevertheless when pressed hard Gyanendra Shah said, “I have only a desire left and that is all the Nepali citizens live in Peace and Prosperity”.
King Gyanendra was accompanied by his better-half Komal.
With Dashain festival going on since September 30, 2008, ex-King Gyanendra and his family have increased their religious activities.
Staunch royalists are expected to accept vermillion Tika from the ex-King on the tenth day of the festival, October 9, 2008.2008-10-02 13:21:02
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