The 301st Prithvi Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of late King Prithivi Narayan Shah, was observed on Wednesday.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari paid her respects by garlanding the statue of the late king, outside Singha Durbar's main entrance.

Various programs are being held nationwide to celebrate Prithvi Jayanti and Unification Day.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on January 11, 1723, to King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati Devi. He ascended to the throne on April 3, 1743.

Prithvi Narayan Shah is widely celebrated for starting the unification movement during his reign. Prior to the movement, Nepal was divided into 52 different states.

Here are some photos by Post’s photographer Elite Joshi.