King Birendra’s  katto ceremony held

June 11, 2001
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Kathmandu, June 11: A 75-year-old  brahmin priest  rode an emblazoned tusker  over the Bagmati river to Jawalahkel after eating the “katto” of late King Birendra  on the 11th day of his assassination Monday.

Durga Prasad Sapkota will stay overnight at the “Katto Ghar” or inn at Jawalakhel before riding out of Kathmandu Valley Tuesday, a palace official said. Wearing a crown replica, clothes, ornaments and shoes worn by the late King, Sapkota took about nine minutes to taste 84 delicacies at Kalmochan Ghat where mourners were conducting Vedic Hindu rituals for the last 11 days.

It is believed the  body assumes spiritual form on the 11th day of death. The 11th day rituals were also held for Queen Aishwarya and Prince Niranjat at the ghat Monday. King Dipendra’s katto ceremony will be held Thursday at the same site.

In the past, brahmin priests ate  pieces of flesh of dead kings; it was not known if the rutial was repeated Monday. Sapkota received offerings and gifts during the ceremony. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other senior officials attended the ritual amid strict military and police security.