Republic Day (Nepal)
Republic Day is a public holiday in Nepal that commemorates the creation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on May 28, 2008. The establishment of the republic put an end to civil strife that had lasted for years.
Modern Nepal was created in 1768, when Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu Valley and formed a unified country from a number of small independent states. In 1846, maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana founded the Rana dynasty that ruled the country until 1951. Prime Minister and other government positions were made hereditary and the monarch had no real power.
Dissatisfaction with the Rana regime led to the 1951 revolution which ended the Rana oligarchy. Initially Nepal was a constitutional monarchy, but in 1960 King Mahendra suspended the constitution and became an absolute monarch. When his son Birendra ascended to the throne, he carried out some democratic reforms.
In 1991, the first elected government of Nepal in 32 years was formed. However, the new government's policy led to an economic crisis. Civil strife of the early 1990s eventually transformed into a full-scale civil war. As a result of the war, Nepal was proclaimed a republic on May 28, 2008. This put an end to the 240-year-old monarchy.
First Republic Day in Nepal
May 29, 2009 marks the first anniversary of the declaration of Nepal as a Federal Democratic Republic. Various programs were organized around the nation to mark the first Republic Day. It was on May 28, 2008 when the first sitting of CA declared Nepal a Federal Republic abolishing the 240 years old monarchy.
To mark this day the government of Nepal declared the day as a public holiday. Various news agencies from Nepal reported organization of several programs like the army pavilion in Tudikhel. The President and other leaders gave speeches talking about national unity.
History of Republic Day
Republic Day is a public holiday in Nepal that commemorates the creation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on May 28, 2008. The establishment of the republic put an end to civil strife that had lasted for years.
Celebrations
The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, Kathmandu, at the Sainik Manch in Tudikhel. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Tudikhel, which are performed as a tribute to Nepal; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.
Government declares public holiday and all the Nepali around the globe celebrates the day with pride and freedom.
Gallery
Republic Day parade chief guest
Since 1950, Nepal has been hosting different personal as the guest of honor for Republic Day Celebration in Kathmandu.
| Year | Chief Guest Name | Country | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | President RamBaran Yadav | Nepal | As first president of Republic of Nepal |
| 2010 | |||
| 2011 | |||
| 2012 | |||
| 2013 | |||
| 2014 | |||
| 2015 | |||
| 2016 |