King Birendra Shah’s Statue Unveiled in Pokhara

Pokhara – Former King Gyanendra Shah unveiled the statue of King Birendra at Birendra Chowk in Rambazar, Pokhara Metropolitan City-10.

The late King Birendra Statue Construction Committee, Pokhara, had installed Birendra’s statue on December 24, 2023. A statue had previously been placed there in 2002. The square has been named Birendra Chowk since the statue of Birendra was built. However, the statue was vandalized and removed during the 2006/07 movement.

Committee Secretary Arun Giri informed that the 8-foot-tall statue was rebuilt last year at a cost of 2.5 million rupees. “Although the statue was built, it had not been unveiled. It has now been unveiled,” he said.

During the statue unveiling, there was a large presence of royalists and representatives of organizations related to the Hindu religion.

The well-wishers and supporters present chanted slogans like “Long live Birendra,” “Go ahead, Maharaj, the people are with you,” and “Our king, our country, is dearer than life.” “Shriman Gambhir Nepali” (the former national anthem) was also played at the statue unveiling ceremony. Former King Gyanendra did not make any address.

Former King Gyanendra has been in Pokhara since February 9th. During his stay in Pokhara, he has also visited religious destinations in nearby districts. It is said that Gyanendra will return to Kathmandu on Sunday.