People from various walks of life gathered at Sano Gaucharan on Monday to pay their respects to the late former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli draped Dhungana’s body with the national flag. Prime Minister Oli praised Dhungana as a multifaceted leader whose impact on Nepal’s parliamentary practices remains profound.

“He was successful in leaving a significant imprint on our parliamentary system, and it is important that we follow the path he laid down to strengthen our democracy,” said the prime minister during his tribute.

In addition to the prime minister, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Cabinet ministers, former prime ministers including Baburam Bhattarai and Jhalanath Khanal, among other politicians, paid their tributes.

On Monday, the government declared a public holiday in his honour and announced Dhungana would be given a state funeral. As a mark of respect, flags at all government offices in Nepal and abroad were flown at half-mast.

Dhungana, the first Speaker of the House following the restoration of democracy in 1990, was a staunch advocate for human rights and justice. Known for his unwavering support for anti-establishment forces, he remained a symbol of integrity and resilience throughout his life.

He passed away on Sunday due to complications from a long-standing liver condition. Despite being rushed to Frontline Hospital in Baneshwar after suffering from breathing issues, he was declared dead upon arrival.

His final rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat today.