Republic Day (Nepali: गणतन्त्र दिवस) is a special day in the history of Nepal that commemorates the inception of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on May 29, 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 colonized 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 the 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. 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.
To mark this day previously the government of Nepal used to give public holiday but from this year (2018), the government of Nepal has cut off the public holiday. However, Province 5 has declared a public holiday in their state.
History of Republic Day
Republic Day is a special day in the history of 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.
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