Photos by: Elite Joshi

A special ceremony was held at the local Nepalese Army Pavilion to mark the third anniversary of the promulgation of Nepal's new constitution through the historic Constituent Assembly (CA) on Tuesday.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Speaker Onsari Gharti and acting Chief Justice Deepak Raj Johi were present on the occasion held by the Constitution Main Celebration Committee. Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, lawmakers, representatives from the diplomatic missions, political parties' leaders, academicians, athletes, civil society representatives, business community and security force also took part.

On the occasion, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and the Speaker released pigeons as a symbol of peace, wishing for peace and stability in the country.

An aerial display of a banner reading 'Constitution Day-2074' and a flower dropping ceremony through helicopter were also the parts of the celebrations of the day.

Special march past was performed by the Nepalese Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Scout. A cultural procession featuring culture and attire of different casts and communities was also held.

Meanwhile, addressing the concluding session, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, also the Main Celebration Committee Chair, expressed happiness at the opportunity to celebrate Asoj 3 as a national festival when the new constitution was promulgated, addressing seven decades of the aspirations of Nepalis to have a constitution written by their representatives.

He also pointed out the need for strengthening national unity through full enforcement of the new historic constitution, while urging all to do their part in contributing to driving the country on the path to prosperity, and consolidating the country via constitution implementation.

Expressing hope that the Constitution Day would inspire all to unite and into nation building, he said a constitutional responsibility lies ahead to implement federalism by holding all three levels of the elections—local, State Assemblies, and federal—by January 21, 2018.

The constitution has been regarded as an important document that has guaranteed the rights of people of all languages, and religion, women, Dalits, indigenous nationalities, Tharu, Muslim, minorities, and suppressed groups.