Kathmandu, 19 February: The 75th ‘National Democracy Day’ is being celebrated today by organizing various programs in different parts of the country. President Ram Chandra Poudel is scheduled to participate in a program organized by the Main Celebrations Committee at the Military Forum Tundikhel this morning on the occasion of Democracy Day.
The program will pay tribute to the known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives in various struggles for the establishment of democracy in the country.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the Democracy Day celebrations. The government has declared a public holiday today on the occasion of Democracy Day. Falgun 7, 2007, is considered a proud and unforgettable day in Nepal’s history, marking the end of the Rana regime and the birth of democracy.
On the occasion of Democracy Day, President Poudel has issued a message of greetings, recalling that the belief that the sovereignty of the country should be vested in the people was established through struggle and the sacrifice of martyrs.
Why National Democracy Day Celebrated?
National Democracy Day (“Rastriya Prajatantra Diwas”) in Nepal is celebrated on Falgun 7 (usually around February 19) every year to commemorate the establishment of democracy in the country. This day marks the end of the 104-year-long Rana autocracy and the beginning of democratic governance in Nepal.
History Behind Democracy Day
- Before Democracy (1846-1951): Nepal was ruled by the Rana regime, an autocratic system where the Prime Ministers from the Rana family held absolute power, while the monarchy remained powerless.
- Struggle for Democracy: Inspired by global democratic movements, Nepalese people and leaders, including the Nepali Congress and King Tribhuvan, revolted against the Ranas.
- February 18, 1951 (Falgun 7, 2007 B.S.): King Tribhuvan, with the support of India and democratic forces, declared the end of the Rana rule and introduced a democratic system.
Significance of Democracy Day
- It honors the sacrifices of Nepalese freedom fighters who fought against the autocratic regime.
- It marks the beginning of a more inclusive and participatory governance system.
- It serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy and freedom in Nepal’s political and social development.
On this day, the Nepalese government organizes special events, speeches, and celebrations across the country to commemorate the historical transition to democracy.
