Kathmandu, Feb. 24: Birendra Vikram Shah was this morning formally proclaimed King of Nepal at an elaborate function in his ancestral Hanuman Dhoka Palace in the ancient city. The colourful ceremony was performed with traditional Hindu rites by the chief royal priest.
The 29-year-old King donned the royal crown, studded with pearls, rubbies and emeralds and plumed with the feathers of the rare bird of paradise, after the royal priest tied the pair of golden plates, symbolising sovereignty, around his forehead and proclaimed him, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, monarch.
The King, repeating the oath of office administered to him in Sanskrit by the priest, promised solemnly that he would act as the sentinel of the nation and hold the sovereignty of the country as sacred as divinity, love and protect his people and be just to them. The King then ascended the lotus-shaped throne embossed with figures of writhing snakes. The priest also placed a diamond tiara on the head of the Queen, seated beside the King.
Earlier, holy water was sprinkled on the King from 10 jars and flowers were showered on him. He was anointed by representatives of the four Hindu caste orders, symbolising caste unity in the person of the monarch and their rapport with one another.
Published – February 25, 2025 02:10 am IST