TITLE AND DIAMOND

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 April 1937, Page 3

TITLE AND DIAMOND

NEPALESE TRIBNTE TO KING

DARJEELING, April 14

“Rajanya,” meaning “Oh Mighty King,” inscribed on a sheet of gold,, will be the most strange of all the titles conferred on King George VI. during the Coronation period. The title is coming from the King of Nepal, and will be conferred by the Nepalese commander-in-chief, Shum Sher Jung Bahadur Rana. It will be the first time it lias been conferred outside Nepal. The Nepalese Court priest will chant sacred verses from the Hindu scriptures before the King, and will then hand over the plate of gold. He will decorate the King with a, Nepalese diamond of priceless value, as a Coronation greeting from the King of Nepal. . Before the Hindu soldiers ol the Coronation contingent drink London water thev will add a tew purifying drops of Ganges water, which they are bringing with them. With the contingent come a military pundit to lead the troops in prayers each morning. For the first time “untouchable” soldiers will mix freely with higher castes, and partake of the same food.

The War Office is seeking a regular supply of goats, for Moslems must have fresh meat daily. The goats will be killed according to Moslem custom, and cooked by Moslem cooks.

The Moslems will offer prayers in the open space at Hampton Court, while the Hindus will worship gods they are bringing in their cabin trunks. Each Hindu will also bring a sacred coconut, ensuring his safe return. According to Hindu customs a, coconut is blessed by a priest and always given to a traveller when he goes abroad.