Kathmandu, June 14: A 65-year-old brahmin priest rode an emblazoned elephant across  the Bagmati river to Jawalahkel after eating the “katto” of late King Dipendra on the 11th day of his death Thursday. Debi Prasad Acharya will stay overnight at the “Katto Ghar” or inn at Jawalakhel before being banished from Kathmandu Valley Friday, an official said.

Wearing a crown replica, clothes, ornaments and shoes worn by the late King, Acharya tasted 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 Dhirendra Shah, uncle of Dipendra, also killed in the shoot-out at the Narayanhiti Roya Palace on June 1; altogether 10 royal family members, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, and relatives were killed and four others were injured in
the carnage. Eyewitnesses said Crown Prince Dipendra started the carnage and later committed suicide by turning a gun on himself.

A two member commission headed by Chief Justice Keshab Prasad Upadhaya is expected to submit a detailed report on the shoot-out to King Gyanendra later Thursday. In the past, brahmin priests ate pieces of flesh of dead kings; it was not known if the ritual was repeated Thursday.

Acharya received offerings and priceless gifts during the ceremony. Prime Minister Girija Prasad
Koirala and other senior officials attended the ritual amid strict military and police security. Thursday was declared a national holiday.