KATHMANDU: The government has held a function to mark the fourth anniversary of the Constitution promulgated by an elected body after six decades of political struggle. 'Constitution Day and National Day-2076' is being observed throughout the country by organising various programmes today.

On the occasion, a special event was held at Nepal Army Pavilion in Tundikhel with President Bidya Devi Bhandari as the chief guest. Likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the function also attended by Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana, Chairman of National Assembly Ganesh Timilsina, among other high ranking government officials and Members of Parliament.

With the opening of the programme, an aerial display of a banner reading ‘Constitution Day-2076’, balloons and flowers were showered from a helicopter as parts of the celebration. The President released pigeons as a symbol of peace, wishing for peace and stability in the country. Similarly, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Scouts performed march past.

The Constitution, which is the seventh in Nepal, is the first statute drafted by the elected people’s representatives. Nepal shifted to a federal democratic system from a unitary system with the promulgation of the existing constitution.

Republicanism, federalism, secularism, proportional inclusion and social justice remain its salient features. The government has announced a public holiday today to mark the day.

A cultural procession featuring attires of different communities of the country was showcased at the function.

While the country is marking the day with a grand affair, Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal — the ruling party of Province 2 — has prepared to mark the day as 'Black Day' in Saptari district. The ruling coalition partner Samajwadi Party-Nepal has said it will neither celebrate nor protest the Constitution Day.

Meanwhile, heads of states and esteemed figures of various countries extended their wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day which is also being celebrated as the National Day.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II extends warm greetings to Rt. Hon. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari on the Occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal. @PradeepgyawaliK @bairagi_shanker @PaudyalBR @NirmalRajKafle @Rajanktm @Richard_Nepal @UKinNepal

— MOFA of Nepal ?? (@MofaNepal) September 20, 2019

President of the United States of America H.E. Mr. Donald J. Trump extends warm greetings to Rt. Hon. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari on the Occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal. @PradeepgyawaliK @bairagi_shanker @PaudyalBR @NirmalRajKafle @USAmbNepal

— MOFA of Nepal ?? (@MofaNepal) September 20, 2019

President of India H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind has extended warm greetings to Rt. Hon. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari on the Occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal. @PradeepgyawaliK @bairagi_shanker @PaudyalBR @ambmanjeevpuri @YagyaHamal @nilacharya

— MOFA of Nepal ?? (@MofaNepal) September 20, 2019

President of the French Republic H.E. Emmanuel Macron has extended warm greetings to Rt.Hon. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari on the Occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal. @PradeepgyawaliK @bairagi_shanker @PaudyalBR @NirmalRajKafle @Rajanktm @FranceInNepal

— MOFA of Nepal ?? (@MofaNepal) September 20, 2019