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Plan to scatter Edmund Hillary’s on Everest altered
KATHMANDU, APR 09 -
Record holder Everester Apa Sherpa’s plan to scatter the ashes of late Edmund Hillary on Everest have not gone well with the Sherpa community of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the world’s tallest peak. The Sherpas, known the world over for their mountaineering feats, disapproved of the plan, saying scattering the ashes is against their
religion, culture and traditions.
In a fitting tribute, the community has decided to keep the ashes of Hillary, who climbed the peak together with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa for the first time in history in 1953, on the premises of Khumjung School during its golden jubilee celebrations next month. Hillary had established the school.
“Concerned over reports that plans are afoot to scatter Hillary’s ashes on Everest, we held a meeting with Apa and other senior leaders of the community on April 6. The meeting decided not to go ahead with the plan as it goes against Sherpa culture, religion and tradition,” Ang Tenzing Sherpa, the coordinator of the Khumbu Civil Society, said in a press statement.
Upon the community’s request, Hillary’s ashes will be kept at Khumjung School next month, the release said.
Unveiling the ‘Eco Everest 2010 expedition’, Apa Sherpa had told reporters in Kathmandu on April 1 that he plans to scatter the famous mountaineer’s ashes on Everest. Nepal will pray for peace to the departed soul, he had said. Edmund’s son Peter had welcomed the plan.
Posted on: 2010-04-10 08:04
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