Kathmandu, Feb 15: President Ramchandra Paudel today attended a special ceremony organized by the Nepali Army (NA), marking Mahashivaratri Festival and Army Day- 2082 BS. Today marks the 263rd Army Day.
On the occasion, the Head-of-the-State observed the feu-de-joie and NA skill shows and performances. A contingent of NA presented a guard of honor to the President who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the NA.
The President laid a wreath at the NA memorial in Tundikhel. The NA celebrates its establishment in conjunction with the Shivaratri festival, which marks the birthday of Lord Shiva. According to Vedic beliefs, Shiva symbolizes peace and security.
As part of the celebrations, President Paudel also launched the annual magazine “Sipahi-2082 BS,” published by the NA Directorate of Public Relations and Information.
Additionally, President Paudel presented prizes to Lieutenant Colonel Bibek Bikram Shah and Corporal Ramesh Kumar Chaudhary who secured first and second place, respectively, in the ‘free fall jump’ competition. He also presented “Tokens of Remembrance” to the chiefs of military squads from India, the UK, and the US, who performed band displays during the event.
Before this, Skyhooks Army Aviation Services displayed banners, and an army helicopter showered flower petals on the occasion, also displaying a banner reading ‘Sena Diwas-2082 (Army Day-2026)’.
Soldiers of the Nepali Army marked the occasion with celebratory rifle and artillery fire, accompanied by grand parades. The event featured demonstrations of various military skills, floats displaying traditional army attire, and performances by music and dance ensembles. A Nepali Army contingent also took part in the march-past. In addition, a range of vehicles, equipment, and weaponry used by the Army were put on display.
Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayana Prasad Dahal.
The event was also attended by ministers and former ministers, heads and officials of constitutional bodies, senior government authorities, chiefs of security agencies, representatives of diplomatic missions based in Nepal, and other distinguished personalities from various sectors.
A large number of people gathered around the Tundikhel area to witness the celebrations, which were broadcast live by several media outlets, including Nepal Television
