TITLES AND DIAMOND.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 414, 22 April 1937, Page 3

TITLES AND DIAMOND.

NEPALESE TRIBUTE TO KING. Hindu and Moslem Modes. Darjeeling, April J 4. “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 lhe Nepalese commander-in-chief, Shum gher Jung Bahadur Rana. It will be the first time it has been conferred outside Nepal. The Nepalese Court priest will chant sacred verses' from the Hindu scriptures before the King, land 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. Goats and Sacred Coconuts. Before the Hindu soldiers of the Coronation contingent drink London water they will add a few’ purifying drops of Ganges 'water, which they ire bringing with them. With the contingent comes 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 tame food.

The War Office is seeking a regular supply of goats,, for Moslems 1 must have fresh meat daily. The goats will be ' killed according to Moslem custofn, and cooked by Moslem cooks.

The "Moslems will offer prayers in the open space at Hampton Court wh®e 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 l given to a traveller when he goes abroad.