Gorkha palace's Phulpati brought into Hanumandhoka Dasainghar

On Saturday, the seventh day of Bada Dasain, the Phulpati sent from Gorkha palace was brought into the Dasainghar at Hanumandhoka palace in Kathmandu.

Rajendra Aryal, chief priest of Gorkhakali temple, said the palanquin was bid farewell at Gorkha palace at the auspicious hour of 9 a.m. after worship rituals, accompanied by bands and a rally. Hari Saru, deputy subba of Gorkha palace, said the palanquin prepared by the attendants was brought to the capital by government vehicle.

Priest Saru Magar said the Phulpati items—including turmeric, paddy, bel (wood apple), jayanti grass and cane—were collected from the Paslang area forest on Friday. According to the Gorkha Palace Conservation Office, since 2009 BS the Phulpati has been sent by road rather than on foot.

The palanquin, which reached Hanumandhoka by midday, was shown to the public and to nearby deities for darshan. During the procession, a Nepali Army contingent fired guns in salute in front of the main palace at Basantapur. After locals welcomed it with bands, the palanquin was taken around the palace premises before being placed in the Dasainghar prepared by the Army.

The tradition of bringing Phulpati from Gorkha to Kathmandu every year is believed to have begun after Prithvi Narayan Shah started ruling from the capital. At Gorkhakali temple's own Dasainghar, Phulpati is also set to be brought in with celebration on Saturday evening.