Nepal Celebrates Prithvi Jayanti and National Day (Photo Feature)

Nepal has marked the 304th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah with a variety of programs nationwide.

Recognizing the contribution made by Shah, the leader of the unification campaign of modern Nepal, wreaths are laid at the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah in front of the west gate of the main administrative building, Singha Durbar.

On the occasion of Prithvi Jayanti and National Day, President Ramchandra Paudel has paid tributes to nation builder then King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

He paid tributes by laying a wreath at his statue in front of the west gate of Singha Durbar amidst a function held this morning to mark the Prithivi Jayanti or National Day.

Also present at the brief ceremony were Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal and Vice Chair Bimala Ghimire, and ministers of the Government of Nepal, who also paid floral tributes to, Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal, heads of constitutional bodies and security agencies, and dignitaries from various sectors of society also paid their tributes to nation builder Shah.

Shah was born in Gorkha in 1779 BS. The then King Shah of Gorkha, who unified the then principalities into modern Nepal, passed away in 1831 BS at the age of 52. He ascended the throne at the age of 20 and launched a unification campaign.

Shah’s unification campaign paved the way for Nepal to remain one of the oldest independent nations in the world, as it laid the foundation for preserving national independence and sovereignty.

Shah’s divine teachings during his reign’ are equally relevant today in the context of reducing corruption and promoting good governance in the country.

Considering the geographical situation, he had given Nepal the nickname of a yam between two rocks. The day is also observed as National Unity Day, with both formal and informal events organised to remember the late King.