During the monarchy the king used to participate in various occassions,jatras, religious functions related to hinduism.In a way he was considered an incarnation of Lord Bishnu and thus was directly connected to hinduism in Nepal. Various Jaatras, functions, religious festivals were considered incomplete without the participation of the king since centuries. His participation in those functions and Poojas was part of the culture, tradition and identity of the nation and after the declaration of the republic the president has taken over the responsibilities participating in those functions as the head of state. I wonder what will happen if a person following Islam, Christianity or Buddhism becomes the president of Nepal and he refuses to participate in those functions..! Or even if he agrees to participate in functions like Basanta Shrawan, Mahashivaratri, Bhote jatra, Kaal ratri, will the 80% hindus accept a non hindu during those occasions which carries immense sentimental and cultural value as well as historical significance for them . There should be a clear directive regarding this thing in the new constitution as well otherwise confusions at that time might result in religious riots and ugly circumstances.
