From Mithila Art to Silam Sakma: Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Inauguration Ceremony
March 26, Kathmandu – The inauguration ceremony of newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) was held with great grandeur. The event, conducted at the President’s official residence, Sheetal Niwas, marked a special and memorable occasion in Nepal’s history.
The oath-taking ceremony was scheduled for 12:34 PM, a time chosen for its auspiciousness, coinciding with the unique numerical pattern 1–2–3–4.
The event embraced traditional and cultural elements from the outset. Prior to the oath, 108 Hindu boys performed prayers, and 107 Buddhist monks recited the Ashtamangala text.
Seven Brahmin priests blew conch shells during the ceremony, infusing the environment with sanctity and energy.
Rooted in a multicultural identity, the ceremony featured two prominent cultural symbols representing Mithila and Kirati traditions.
The Mithila art, renowned as a traditional painting style, and Silam Sakma, representing Kirati culture, highlighted Nepal’s cultural diversity while conveying a message of unity in diversity.
Two individuals personifying Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were present at the ceremony, honoring Hindu beliefs that hold these deities in deep reverence.
President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Balen, paying tribute to his commitment. Throughout the oath, Balen appeared solemn and confident.
Leaders from various political parties, high-ranking officials, elected members of the House of Representatives, and supporters attended the traditionally styled ceremony.
Prime Minister Shah’s inauguration is seen as the beginning of a new political era for Nepal. Emerging from the world of rap music into politics, Balen’s victory symbolizes the awakening of a new generation and their aspirations for change.
The 36-year-old Balen commenced his parliamentary journey after defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by 49,614 votes in Jhapa-5 during the House of Representatives elections held on February 3.
Prior to the election, he served as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. He resigned from the mayoral post to become a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
In the local elections of 2079 BS (2023 AD), Balen ran as an independent candidate and was elected mayor by defeating Nepali Congress leader Srijana Singh by 23,426 votes.
