IN PICS: Prithvi Jayanti being observed today

KATHMANDU, Jan 11: The 300th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah is being celebrated across the country on Tuesday by organizing a variety of programs. The event is celebrated every year on Poush 27 of the lunar calendar.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on 27 Poush 1779 BS in Gorkha to King Narabhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati. He became the King of Gorkha on Chaitra 25, 1799 BS. Before that, Nepal was divided into 52 principalities. After Prithvinarayan became king, he succeeded in extending the border of Nepal from Tista in the east to the Chepe river in the west. After the demise of Prithvinarayan, his successors worked to expand the state of Nepal to the fort of Kangada in the west.

Prithvinarayan Shah had conquered Nuwakot in 1801 BS. Twenty-five years later, in 1826 BS, he conquered the Kathmandu Valley. After conquering the Nepal Valley, Prithvinarayan Shah extended the borders of the country.

Today, the 300th birth anniversary of Prithvinarayan Shah is being celebrated with various programs across the country. Nepal Pragya Pratisthan, Nepal Lalit Kala Pratisthan, Nepal Sangeet and Natya Pragya Pratisthan and Cultural Undertaking have scheduled various programmes on the occasion.

Similarly, other organizations are also organizing various programs to celebrate Prithivi Jayanti and National Unity Day across the country.