Nepali Army observing Army Day today
The historical intertwining of the Nepali Army with religion and culture is evident, with its logo depicting a trident and damaru, representing Lord Shiva's symbols.
KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army is marking Army Day today, coinciding with Mahashivaratri, a significant Hindu religious festival.
Security affairs expert Dr. Deepak Prakash Bhatta highlights the profound connection between Mahashivaratri and Army Day, emphasizing the symbolism shared by Lord Shiva, celebrated during Mahashivaratri, and the Nepali Army’s values of awareness and power.
“The celebration of Army Day alongside Mahashivaratri is a homage to truth and consciousness, as Lord Shiva embodies both calmness and destruction,” explained Dr. Bhatta.
The historical intertwining of the Nepali Army with religion and culture is evident, with its logo depicting a trident and damaru, representing Lord Shiva’s symbols.
Dr. Bhatta interprets these symbols as reflections of Shiva’s multifaceted roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer, echoing Hindu philosophy.
Over time, many army barracks and companies have been named after Hindu deities, with temples built within their premises.
Brigadier General Santosh Ballav, the Army’s spokesperson, noted that regular prayers and worship ceremonies are conducted in these temples, supported by allocated budgets.
Historian Dinesh Raj Panta contests the notion that the convergence of Mahashivaratri and Army Day is merely coincidental.
He asserts that the inaugural formation of the first army troop by former King Prithvi Narayan Shah on Shivaratri marks the historical foundation of Army Day’s observance on Mahashivaratri.
Appreciation is also extended to the Nepal Army for its commendable efforts in maintaining peace, both domestically and internationally, notably in conflict zones around the world.
