KATHMANDU: The 24th memorial day of the tragic massacre at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, in which former King Birendra Shah and his family were killed, is being observed on Monday.

On Friday, Jestha 19, 2058 B.S. (June 1, 2001), a royal banquet was held at the Narayanhiti Palace.

During that banquet, then-King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Nirajan, Princess Shruti, Birendra’s younger brother Prince Dhirendra, and other royal family members including Princess Shanti, Princess Sharada, Princess Jayanti, and Sharada’s husband Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah were killed.

Crown Prince Dipendra, who was found in a semi-conscious state, was declared king on Jestha 20 (June 2).

As Dipendra was hospitalized and unconscious, Prince Gyanendra Shah was declared regent.

After Dipendra’s death on Jestha 22 (June 4), Gyanendra was officially declared the new king.

A two-member probe committee consisting of then-Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya and Speaker Taranath Ranabhat was assigned to investigate the massacre and submit a report.

Although the investigation committee concluded that Dipendra killed the royal family members and then committed suicide, the general public in Nepal has never fully accepted this version of events.

To commemorate the day and remember the late King Birendra and his family, special programs are being organized today.

On this occasion, the Yogi Naraharinath Spiritual Council has organized a memorial event with garland offerings at King Birendra’s statue in Jawalakhel.