Republic Day being observed today

KATHMANDU: The 18th Republic Day is being observed across the country today with various celebratory programs.

This day commemorates the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, officially declared on May 28, 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS), when the first Constituent Assembly, elected by the people, formally abolished the monarchy.

To mark the occasion, the government has declared a public holiday, and a special ceremony is being held at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu.

Nepal’s transition to a republic began after King Gyanendra assumed direct control of the government on February 1, 2005. In response, a 12-point agreement was signed between seven political parties and the then-armed CPN-Maoist, uniting previously fragmented forces in a common movement for full democracy.

The movement gathered momentum in November 2005 and culminated in a mass uprising beginning in March 2006, with thousands taking to the streets. As public pressure mounted, King Gyanendra was compelled to reinstate the dissolved parliament.

The reinstated parliament swiftly curtailed the powers of the monarchy and suspended the institution altogether. It also passed a resolution to integrate the Maoists into the peace process and pave the way for Constituent Assembly elections.

These historic elections were held in 2008, and on May 28 of that year, the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly officially declared the end of Nepal’s 240-year-old monarchy, establishing the country as a republic.

In celebration of Republic Day 2082, the government has formed the ‘Republic Day Main Celebration Committee’ to coordinate national-level events.