The 11th Republic Day was celebrated with a gusto in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

A special ceremony was organised at the Tundikhel ground, where President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Oli, ministers, senior government officials and foreign dignitaries were in attendance.

The Nepal Army showcased military parades, drills and cultural shows on the occasion. The Army helicopter also showered flower petals and unfurled a Republic Day banner in the air to mark the special day.

The NA soldiers also offered a special guard of honour to President Bhandari who was later joined by Vice President Pun, Prime Minister Oli, Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Chairman of the National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timilsina and Acting Chief Justice Deepak Raj Joshee, among others, in white pigeon release ceremony to symbolise ‘lasting peace’ in the country.

Dance troupes from different parts of the Kathmandu Valley also presented traditional dances reflecting various indigenous cultures.

The main event was preceded by observing a minute of silence to pay respect to the known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives to achieve a republic in their struggle that overthrew centuries-old monarchy.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Oli, also the chairperson of the Republic Day Celebrations Main Organising Committee, said the day was the reminder

of the people’s victory over tyranny, a political triumph achieved by the common masses that ushered in progressive culture and restored people’s supremacy.

Besides Kathmandu, the Republic Day was also observed in other parts of the country by organising various events.