Nepal's King Gyanendra made his first public appearance since seizing control of the government and declaring emergency rule, but said nothing during a brief event held amid tight security. Gyanendra drove to the old Hanumandhoka palace in the center of the capital, Katmandu, to participate in a ceremony to welcome the spring, taking flowers from the head priest as traditional music played and a 21-gun salute rang out. People lined the route to the palace, where Nepal's kings no longer live but where many traditional ceremonies are still held. The king arrived amid tight security and was greeted by top government, police and army officials. He appeared in good health, visibly confident and in a joyous mood but said nothing to reporters, who were kept far away.
