KATHMANDU: Nepal Army is observing Army Day on Friday, coinciding Maha Shivaratri, a religious festival of Hindus. NA has been observing Army Day on the day of Maha Shivaratri since 2047 BS.

According to security affairs expert Dr Deepak Prakash Bhatta, to have Maha Shivaratri festival and Army Day on the same day is not only coincidence but it has significance, too.

“Shiva is regarded as the symbol of awareness and power. Shiva is god and god is the symbol of truth. Shiva has both qualities of ‘calmness and destruction’. Therefore, there are similarities between Army Day and Maha Sivaratri. To celebrate Army Day on the occasion of Shivaratri is to honor the truth and awareness,” said Bhatta.

History shows that Nepal Army has often been socialized in the context of religion and cultures. The logo of Nepal Army containing a trident and damaru, a musical instrument, also further indicates the blend of religion and philosophy.

Dr Bhatta further said these images in the logo symbolize god Shiva. Shiva is the creator, preserver and destroyer, according to Hindu Philosophy.

Since the very past, many army barracks and companies have been named after god and goddesses. Temples of goddess have been constructed on the premises of many army barracks.

Historian Dinesh Raj Panta does not agree that it is a mere coincidence to have Maha Shivaratri and Army Day on the same day.  According to him, former king Prithvi Narayan Shah had formed a first army troop on the day of Shivaratri. Since the very day Nepal Army has been observing  Army Day on Maha Shivaratri festival.