An unusual birthday for Gyanendra

King Gyanendra’s birthday was not observed as a national holiday in Nepal’s calendar this year, but greetings still came from both ordinary and significant personages as the overthrown monarch turned 60 on Friday.

Prime Minister G P Koirala sent a congratulatory message from his hospital bed. The council of ministers too sent a message, while the army chief and a few generals called upon the King personally.

The Prime Minister’s reception was not held, nor the traditional dinner hosted by the Nepal police. Many diplomatic offices cancelled their usual official holiday.