There were no celebrations on the 285th birthday of Late King Prithvi Narayan Shah, which marks the National Unity Day, on Poush 27.

Though the day was observed as the National Unity Day until last year, highlighting King Prithivi Narayan Shah’s contribution in unifying Nepal that was divided into more than 50 principalities, the government formed after the success of the Jana Andolan-II announced on Wednesday to cancel the holiday on the National Unity Day.

While the government did not cite any reasons for canceling the celebrations, the Home Ministry issued a notice asking all government offices and diplomatic missions of Nepal in foreign countries, corporations and educational institutions to continue their daily works.

No pubic functions were organised in the capital to mark the National Unity Day except for a small crowd that gathered around the statute of the Late King Prithivi Narayan at Singha Durbar to paid homage on the occasion.

The parliament restored after the success of the April movement clipped almost all powers of the King.

A golfer putts at hole number 9 at Gokarna Golf Club during the Kailash Tea Golf Tournament, Thursday, Jan 11 07. nepalnews.com

A group of demonstrators had even damaged the statue of Prithvi Narayan located in front of Singh Durbar. It remained veiled with a red cloth for around eight months. Just a few days ago, it was uncovered – which showed that the crown and sword of the statue was missing.

King Prithivi Narayan was born to King Nara Bhupal and Queen Kaushalyawati on the 27th of Poush, 1779 B.S. in Gorkha.

He began the unification drive by first defeating Nuwakot, a principality, in 1801 B.S, and claimed Kathmandu, another principality then, in 1825 B.S.

He is praised for treating the losers equally as his citizens without giving them trouble and nurtured the prevailing traditions, culture and enhanced the religious trust.

The Late King is remembered for his ‘Dibyopadesh’ (divine instructions) given in his last days in 1831 B.S. to the country.

In his Dibyopadesh, Late King gives priority to the people power, governance through popular will, corruption-free society, social justice and encouragement to indigenous industries.