KATHMANDU, June 18: Shree Pashupatinath Gwala Pucha Samaj has organized a protest demonstration against the Guthi bill today.
The demonstration was accompanied by cultural tableau and playing of traditional musical instruments. The demo started from the Pashupatinath temple and concluded at the Bhandari Guthi Ghar in front of the south gate of the temple after passing through Jaya Bageshwari, Sifal, Lampokhari, Chabahil Ganeshsthan, Chabahil Chok, Mitra Park and Jayabageshwari. Lawmaker and Nepali Congress central member Gagan Kumar Thapa, State Assembly member Narottam Baidhya, elected people's representatives from Kathmandu Metropolitan City ward no 7 and 8 had joined the demonstration.
Photos: “Preserve the heritage”
The demonstrators had chanted slogans calling for withdrawing the Guthi bill registered in parliament and in support of protecting the unique cultural heritage and festivals of Nepal.
Thapa and Baidya, among others, had addressed the demonstration. They charged the government of trying to attack and undermine the unique cultural heritage in the name of Guthi bill.
There are Guthis (religious trusts)like Amalkot Kachahari Karyalaya, Jaya Bageshwari Bhandar Tahabil Karyalaya and Pashupati Bhandar Tahabil Karyalaya related to the Pashupatinath in the area. Besides these Guthis, there are also numerous Guthis related to festivals and rituals run by private initiation, Pucha Samaj president Kedarman Bhandari said. All the three Guthis related to the Pashupatinath are operated under the Pashupati Area Development Trust, a government body, since 2055 BS.
