KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 19

The 71st National Democracy Day is being marked today by organising various programmes across the country.

In the capital city, a special programme was held at the Army Pavilion, in Tundikhel, this morning. The function saw the attendance of President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chairperson of the National Assembly Ganesh Timilsina, Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota, among other high ranking officials of the government.

A helicopter carrying the banner of National Democracy Day-2077 flew across the sky over Tundikhel and showered flower petals. Likewise, the national flag was hoisted amid the ceremony.

March-past and band presentations were carried out by security agencies including Nepal Police and Nepal Army.

Likewise, various programmes are being held across the nation to mark the historic day.

Every year, Falgun 7 of the Nepali calendar is observed as the National Democracy Day. In 2007 BS, on this day, democracy was established in the country ending the over-a-century-old autocratic Rana regime.

Vice President Pun, in a message has wished the nation on Democracy Day, stated that the Day inspires everyone to implement and protect the constitution and the country's democratic achievements.

National Assembly chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina said the socio-economic and cultural transformation in the nation along with democracy have been the aspiration of Nepali people. He added that fundamental norms and values of democracy should be internalised as life system to ensure sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity.

Likewise, President of main opposition Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has also extended his best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of Democracy Day. He states that Falgun 7 is the beginning of Nepal's journey towards the federal republic system.