News from Nepal

KATHMANDU, April 6 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala gave presents to the Panchakanyas who were waiting to welcome him with garlands in hand, at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival after participating in the 14th SAARC Summit in New Delhi, India.

The Prime Minister had asked the Panchakanyas what presents they would like to have when he left Nepal last Sunday for New Delhi, India to take part in the SAARC Summit.

"You are standing out in the hot sun, tell me what gifts would you like when I come back," the Prime Minister had asked the five little girls standing at the airport to see him off.

The Panchakanyas who had answered the Prime Minister's question only with smiles on Sunday were all exhilarated today when they got the gifts.

It is a longstanding tradition for Panchakanyas to bid farewell and welcome back the Head of State or Government when he/she goes abroad.

It is believed in Hindu religion that all the obstacles are cleared when the Panchakanyas greet or see off anyone by garlanding the person.

This is possibly the first instance that any VVIP has publicly given presents to the Panchakanyas.