Overview

• Hundreds of supporters queued outside Gyanendra Shah’s residence on July 7, lining streets with flags and traditional offerings to honor his 78th birthday.
• Shah made a rare public appearance, welcoming well-wishers inside his fortified home for three hours.
• The gathering reflects growing pro-monarchy sentiment fueled by frustration over political instability, corruption and slow economic development.
• Mass demonstrations in May drew tens of thousands demanding the former king’s return and a violent rally in March left at least two people dead.
• Royalist groups are calling for Gyanendra’s reinstatement as head of state and for Hinduism to be restored as Nepal’s national religion.