Extension of Mahashivaratri and Shivatandav dance on Army Day [Photo Feature]

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Army has celebrated Army Day today at the local Sainik Manch Tundikhel with various programs including displaying attractive military skills. The Supreme Commander of the Army, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, attended the ceremony and observed all the activities with interest.

She was saluted by a detachment of the army at a function held today on the day of Mahashivaratri. She also laid a wreath at the military memorial.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher JB Rana, Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota and other government ministers, secretaries, heads of security agencies, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and other high-ranking dignitaries.

During the ceremony, national flags and banners were displayed and flowers were showered from the Nepal Army helicopter. The army extended Mahashivaratri and displayed parades and weapons and equipment, as well as dances and jhankis reflecting the culture of the state. There was also an attractive military art, khukuri drill and search and rescue exhibition.

The army also displayed various activities including road construction projects of national pride, participation in national parks and wildlife reserves and establishment of world peace.

During the ceremony, President Bhandari also released a book titled ‘History of Nepal’s Unification (1801-1872 BS)’, ‘Introduction to Nepal’s Historical Fortresses, Forts and Battlefields’ and’ Soldiers’ Annual 2077 BS ‘. President Bhandari presented the award to the winner of the freestyle jump. Soldiers performed patriotic songs, dances, musical tunes and Shivatandava dances.

The present organization of the Nepal Army dates back to 1819 BS. The Nepal Army’s participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission began in 1958 (around 2015). So far, 43 peacekeepers have contributed more than 135,000 troops to world peace. More than 5,000 peacekeepers, including 87 women from Nepal, are participating in 12 peace missions around the world.

At the ceremony, Chief of Army Staff Purnachandra Thapa presented certificates of appreciation to the ambassadors of different countries. He presented awards and certificates to the winning military officers in various competitions and also honored the ex-servicemen, outstanding farmers, entrepreneurs, social service and micro-entrepreneurs.

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