Bhaktapur: It has been customary for the Head of State of the country to visit Bhaktapur on Kojagrat Purnima, the concluding day of the Dashain festival, to worship Goddess Nawadurga and receive the Prasad. However, this year, the Head of State did not visit the district to observe the rituals that have been in place for the past 38 years.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the District Administration Office, Bhaktapur, had made preparations on Tuesday to welcome President Ramchandra Paudel for the puja at 4:00 pm. It was later informed that the President’s visit had been cancelled due to health issues.
As a representative from the Office of the President (Shital Niwas), the President’s private secretary, Sushil Timilsina, arrived in Bhaktapur at 4:15 pm and received the Prasad on behalf of the President. The Prasad includes flowers, garlands, citrus fruit (Bimiro), and the Pancharangi (colorful) thread.
Timilsina confirmed that the President had to cancel the visit at the eleventh hour due to his health condition. The Chief of Guthi Sansthan performed the puja of Goddess Nawadurga as the government’s representative.
The puja materials were prepared by Guthi Sansthan, and the monetary offerings brought by the Office of the President will be handed over to the 33 Nawadurga Devagana (who are considered a group of gods). These offerings will later be delivered through the District Administration Office, it has been said.
Nawadurga Devagana leader Brijesh Banamala stated that the tradition has been disrupted this time. It is said if the President is unable to attend the ritual, the Vice President would typically take part in the place of the President.