The square was festooned with banners, placards and even cartoons. Poets, writers and academics spoke and there was even a 12-minute silence to mourn those who have died in the past nine years of conflict. On stage, women held 36 peace lanterns "to show the way back to democracy" and others dressed as widows sat cross-legged amidst a performance depicting grief and bereavement.
The opinion of people in the streets of Kathmandu this week:

"If the king really is thinking about the future, he should think about the poor and the indigenous people. The rebellion started because only the rich had power, unless poverty and caste are tackled, the situation in this country is not going to improve."
Ram Bahadur Bika,
security guard from Charikot

"The political parties can't show the way, the king and the Maoists are busy fighting and the people are confused. I think the people need some hope."

Keshab Man Shakya
Janajati rights activist

"Most Nepalis are illiterate and uneducated, and since 1990 they started thinking democracy may not be suitable for Nepal. King Gyanendra is using this. But eventually the people will rise up. It may take a long time, or it may take a short time, but it will happen."

Sagun Poudel
Third Year arts student

"Everybody knows what happens: people talk, people listen, then next week everyone forgets about it.they want peace. I also want peace but the government doesn't listen."
Man playing chess at Basantapur

"I thought young people would be for a republic, but even older people are now saying it. They are the ones who previously would have backed the king as some sort of god.''
Former Nepali diplomat

"We expected the king to take the lead, but we see it is not happening, the politicians are also up to no good and the country is being torn apart by the Maoists. I see no way out."

Jay Lama,
taxi driver from Kabhre