After seven centuries, king not celebrating Krishna’s birthday
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – After seven centuries of tradition, Nepal’s king will not be able to attend the ceremony commemorating Krishna’s birthday for “security reasons.” The Home Affairs Ministry, citing recent bomb attacks in the capital by anti-royalist groups, denied the king's request to pay tribute to Hindu lord Krishna.
Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula confirmed the decision to AsiaNews, saying that the “government cannot provide security now. Everywhere people are angry at the king’s last dictatorship and this may cause him harm. So, in light of the local situation, we denied his request this time.”
According to Hindu mythology, Shree Krishna Janmastami (Krishna’s birthday) is the most important religious celebration.
In involves devotional activities to the God that are connected to national prosperity and changes to life cycles.
Traditionally, Nepali monarchs have opened the celebrations ever since the rise of the Malla dynasty in the 13th century.
Since King Gyanendra’s fall from power in April, the monarch has been gradually stripped of all of its prerogatives.
The decision to ban the sovereign’s from participating in the religious ceremony is part of the current pro-democracy government’s plan to secularise Nepal.
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