Kathmandu, October 3:

King Gyanendra and Queen Komal yesterday received tika, prasad and jamara of Goddess Nava Durga Bhawani from Badagurujyu Janardan Pandey and Nayab Badagurujyu Dr Madhav Prasad Bhattarai at a special ceremony held at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami festival.

The royal duo were also offered tika, prasad and jamara by the Royal Priest, Nambari Pundits and other priests. On the occasion, a 31-gun salute was offered in honour of the royal duo. The King offered tika and jamara to the Queen.

The royal duo offered tika and jamara to former PMs, former Chief Justices, Chairperson and members of the then Rajparishad Standing Committee at Royal Palace yesterday. The royal duo gave tika and jamara to former ministers, former heads of constitutional bodies, leaders of various political parties, former office-bearers of universities, present and former office-bearers of various organisations, journalists, industrialists, businessmen, scouts office-bearers, teachers, athletes, artists and distinguished personalities of the society.

The Chief of the Army Staff, former Chiefs of the Army Staff and former Chiefs of the Nepal Police, Armed Police and National Investigation Department also received tika and jamara from the royal duo. In the evening, the King gave tika and jamara to individuals associated with the country’s political, economic and social life, the general public, foreigners, teachers, students, the differently abled, the elderly, children, saints and holy men among others.

The royal duo offered tika and jamara to Crown Prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani at the Narayanhity Royal Palace yesterday. The royal duo also offered tika and jamara to Navayubaraj Hridayendra, and Yubarajkumari Purnika and Yubarajkumari Kritika. Queen Mother Ratna offered tika and jamara to the King and the Queen at the Royal Palace.