JANAKPUR, Dec 16: The centuries-old tradition of commemorating the marriage between Lord Ram and Sita suffered a set back on Wednesday as demonstrators staged protests at the Ram Janaki Temple to express their dissatisfaction over the visit of President Bidya Devi Bhandari to the temple.
Following the protests, the organizers were forced to cut short the rituals performed during the Ram Janaki Mahotsava, according to Ram Tapeshwar Das, the mahant, or head priest, of the temple.
The situation had taken a nasty turn after President Bhandari started the pooja at Janaki Temple. The demonstrators affiliated to the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) had gathered outside the temple since morning.
A special team of Nepal Army had arrived in Janakpur from Kathmandu on Tuesday to chalk out security arrangements for the president. Although the Janaki Temple was heavily guarded by security personnel, additional three vans of Nepal Army personnel were brought in after the number of protestors increased and their protest intensified.
Security personnel from Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army and Central Investigation Bureau were deployed in and around the Janaki Temple for the security of the president.
Immediately after the helicopter landed on the premises of the Zonal Police Office at around 11:30 am, President Bhandari headed straight to the Janaki Temple to observe the pooja. She was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rajendra Chhetri, Deputy Speaker Ganga Prasad Yadav, Minister for Land Reforms Ram Kumar Subba and Nepali Congress Parliamentarian Kiran Yadav.
Following the pooja, Mahant Tapeshwar felicitated president Bhandari offering a shawl and a photo of Ram and Janaki.
She flew back to Kathmandu soon after. As she walked to the helicopter, local demonstrators waved black flags and shouted slogans to show their displeasure at her visit.
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