Lumbini: President Ramchandra Paudel, accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel, participated in the 205th edition of the historic Ranaujireshwori Bhagawati chariot procession in Tansen, Palpa, today. This marks his first visit to Tansen to grace the event as the Head of State.

The event, which commemorates Nepal's victory over the British in the Anglo-Nepal War, saw the participation of key government figures, including Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey and Defence Minister Manbir Rai. The President performed puja and paid homage at the Ranaujireshwori Bhagawati Temple before visiting the Nepali Army's 'The Famous Mahindra Dal Battalion' and meeting with local officials and elected representatives.

During the event, President Paudel extended his wishes for the happiness, peace, and well-being of all Nepalis and called for the implementation of recommendations to restore the Ranaujireshwori Bhagawati Temple to its original architectural style. He also emphasized the importance of developing the Palpa Palace and its museum into a tourist site and having it recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Additionally, the President expressed hope that the ongoing efforts to declare the Ranaujireshwori Bhagawati chariot procession as a national festival would soon be realized.

The procession, also known as Bhagawati Jatra, Rath Jatra, or Sindoor Jatra, began from the Bhagawati Temple at Tansen Municipality-3. The chariot was taken around the temple three times, with the Nepali Army offering a ceremonial salute, before being paraded through the main streets of Tansen town. The event featured teams singing hymns, traditional Panche Baja music, Lakhe Nach dance performances, and various cultural floats, involving schools and local organizations.