KATHMANDU: Marking the day on which Nepal became a republic state, 11th Republic Day (Ganatantra Diwas) is being observed all over the country today.

On Jestha 15, 2065 of the Nepali calendar, centuries old monarchy had officially come to an end and the country had adopted republicanism as the system of governance. Therefore, this day is observed to commemorate this milestone in the country's history, from which point onwards the country is known to have taken a crucial step towards becoming a federal democratic republic.

On this occasion, a progamme is being held at the Nepal Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, attended by President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli along with other ministers and high level officials.

Likewise, security forces of the country are showcasing various precision drills and parades to mark the ceremony. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police staged musical performances to evoke patriotism and presented Nepal's favorite Maruni and Kaura performances. The Nepal Army displayed a banner of Republic Day from a chopper and showered flower petals. Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, and women police officers and army personnel also presented their musical bands.

A minute's silence was observed to honour the sacrifices made by known and unknown martyrs for political transformation and democracy during the different stages of uprising. President, Vice President, Prime Minister, acting Chief Justice, House Speaker, and National Assembly Chairperson released a pair of white pigeons each to symbolise peace.

Likewise, musical processions were staged by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Bhaktapur Municipality, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality and Kirtipur Municipality displaying their traditional attires and cultures. Panchakanya also took part in the ceremony during which the Lakhe dance, Lanthi dance and Astamatrika dance were staged.

Buddhists' associations including Gumba Development Committee Nepal, National Youth Council and National Sports Council took part in the ceremony with their banners. Likewise, Department of Agriculture and Nepal Agriculture Research Council participated in a procession displaying different agricultural products.

Nepal Government's high officials, chiefs of constitutional bodies, industrialists, civil service employees, and other distinguished personalities took part in the ceremony.

Similarly, Joint Students' Union took out a rally this morning to mark the day. The rally that started from Brikutimandap had passed through Putalisadak before converging into a corner meeting at Shanti Vatika in Ratnapark.

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• Happy Republic Day!!