KATHMANDU; Former king Gyanendra Shah paid homage to Shwetkali Temple at Naradevi in Kathmandu during the Bahra Barse Jatra, which occurred after 30 years. The festival is observed wishing security and protection of people from evil elements.

According to the tradition, the head of the state receives Prasad after ritual dance of 12 goddesses. President Dr Ram Baran Yadav as head of the nation has been attending the rituals and traditional function after the downfall of monarchy, which used to attend such ceremonies.

Satyanarayan Dangol, secretary of the festival's working Committee, said that they did not invite President for this festival. "We called former king as usual," he said.

Gyanendra reached the Temple at 7:40 pm and returned at 8:38 after the rituals. Gyanendra asked about rituals and tradition of the festival.

The festival was organised after 30 years though it should be marked in each 12 years. Dongol said the festival used to be organised after a person, who is influenced by divine power, performed special dance. "However, such incident never took place in last 30 years," he said.

Twelve gods including Ajima (Kali), Barahi, Kumari, Bhairavi, Sihini-Bahini, Ganesh, Brahmayani, Draupadi, Indrayani, Narayani, Mahalaxmi, Mahadev and Kumar are worshiped during the festival. A chariot of goddess Kali is carried through the thoroughfares of Naradevi, Ason and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The festival began on March 5 and will end on March 18. King Guna Kamadev (10th century) started observing the festival and King Amar Malla (15th century) made it to be marked in each 12 years period.

Meanwhile, a group of people chanted slogans such as "Come king, save the nation", "our king is dearer to our life" and ''King is symbol of unity". Gyanendra in Nepali costume amid a tight security waved his hands to people.