KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari today attended a special function held at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel organised by the Nepal Army (NA), marking Mahashivaratri as well as Nepal Army Day.

On the occasion, the Head-of-the-State laid a wreath at the Army Monument there and was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Nepal Army. The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the NA.

Nepal Army, since 2047 BS, has been celebrating Nepal Army Day on the day of Mahashivaratri. On the occasion, President Bhandari unveiled 'Sipahi', the annual publication (magazine) by the NA Directorate of Public Relations and gave away cash prizes as well as certificates to the winner and the first runner-up of 'Free Fall Jump Show'. Major Prakash Khadka and Major Dhiren Adhikari won the titles respectively.

A Nepal Army helicopter, displaying a banner that read 'Nepal Army Day-2075 BS', showered flower petals. NA personnel opened celebratory fire from rifles and canons.

A mass physical training (PT) show was organised at the Army Parade Ground. Various shows such as Taek-won-do, shoot-to-kill, mukdal, Raudra Tandava, and khukuri drill were presented as part of the mass PT. Some military skills showing the professional capacity of Nepal Army were also displayed on the occasion.

Likewise, the army band presented a band display. Various motor vehicles, appliances, and arms and ammunitions used by Nepal Army were also exhibited on the occasion.

The special force brigade presented a demo of military skills of quelling terrorist attack. Floats showcasing the costumes, traditions and folk dances representing all seven provinces of the country were also paraded at the programme.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina were present at the function.

Similarly, government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, presidents of various parliamentary thematic committees, lawmakers, office-bearers of the constitutional bodies, government high officials, chiefs of the security bodies, heads and representatives of the Nepal-based foreign diplomatic missions, and distinguished persons from various walks of life were also there to witness the Mahashivaratri and Army Day celebration.

General public had gathered around Tundikhel to observe the celebrations.

Following the ceremony, Chief of the Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa presented the commendation medals to individuals who have contributed from various social sectors. Insignia were conferred on to officers, and the rank and file of various battalions on the occasion.

(with inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)