Kathmandu, January 11: The 303rd birth anniversary of Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah, founder of modern Nepal, is being celebrated nationwide today by organizing various programs.

Great King Shah was born on Pous 27, 1779 BS in Gorkha as the eldest son of King Narbhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalavati. Prithvi Narayan became King of Gorkha on Chaitra 25, 1799 BS. Nepal was divided into 52 states. After Prithvi Narayan became King, he successfully incorporated small states into Nepal’s map by expanding the border of Nepal from the Tista River in the east to the Chepe River in the west. After the death of Prithvi Narayan, his successor expanded the kingdom of Nepal to the west up to the Fort of Kangra and River Ganges to the south. Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1801 BS. 25 years later, he conquered the Kathmandu Valley in 1826 BS.  

King Prithvi Narayan is thus regarded as the unifier of Nepal and also the symbol of national unity. His birth anniversary is, therefore, observed as the national unity day as well.

Former King Gyanendra, in a video message released on the eve of the birth anniversary of the great king, has urged all the Nepalis to follow the Prithivi Path in making Nepal prosperous.

Shah is the founder of the Nepal Army. The Army organizes different programs marking the birth anniversary of its founder.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-N) and different patriotic groups organize different programs recalling King Prithivi’s contribution to nation-building. Both parties have hosted tea receptions this afternoon.  

Different patriotic groups visit the statue of King Prithivi located in front of the main gate of the Singha Durwar, the government secretariat and offer garlands and flowers on the statue.

People’s News Monitoring Service.