KATHMANDU, June 4 — Radio Nepal has carried a live broadcast detailing the ascension to the throne of King Gyanendra at almost exactly 1100 AM on Monday morning at the Nyasal Chowk of Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

Amidst auspicious music in the background, the radio said the Bada Guru placed the crown on the new King. The King then sat on Nepal’s Naga Throne amidst traditional splendor. Also present on the occasion were the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, senior government officials and other members of the Royal Palace and senior generals of the Royal Nepal Army, including the Chief of Army Staff Prajwalla SJB Rana.

All passed in front of the throne and ceremonially placed silver coins on the ground before paying their respects (“daam rakhne”). In Tundikhel, cannons boomed in the air in a 31-gun salute. nepalnews.com/kd