The agitating Maoist cadres not only threw black flags after forcing the president´s vehicle to stop on the way but also threw verbal abuse at the president. They shouted strong slogans against President Yadav. [break]
Interestingly, President Dr Yadav had reached there at the invitation of the coordinator of Makar Sankranti Festival Main Organizing Committee Akkal Bahadur Thing, a Maoist lawmaker.
Dr Yadav inaugurated the fair by sprinkling holy water of Trivenighat near Bramhayani Temple. After the inauguration, Thing expressed gratitude to the president by presenting him with a token of gift.
Yadav, who was accompanied by his family members, also offered puja at a Bhagawat Mahapuran organized to raise funds for the construction of an elderly home. The Mahapuran was organized by local Indreshwar Campus.
Over 1,000 Nepal Police and Armed Police Force and plainclothes security personnel were mobilized in Panauti keeping in view of security sensitiveness of Dr Yadav´s visit.
There is a popular belief that taking bath in Trivenighat does away with all kinds of illnesses.
According to fair organizers, over 100,000 pilgrims visited Trivenighat on Friday. Organizers said they expect over 10 million people to attend the month-long fair.
Meanwhile, over 70,000 pilgrims thronged Ridi area in between Palpa and Gulmi districts to observe Makar Sankranti on Friday, the Makar Sankranti Fair Management Committee said.
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