04 March 2019, Kathmandu
President Bidya Devi Bhandari today attended a special function held at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel by the Nepali Army (NA) marking the Maha Shivaratri and NA day.
On the occasion, the Head-of-the-State laid a wreath at the Army Monument there and was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of NA. The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the NA.
The NA since 2047 BS celebrates the Maha Shivaratri, the day Lord Shiva is believed to be born, as the NA day. On the occasion, the President unveiled ‘Sipahi’, the annual publication (magazine) by the NA Directorate of Public Relations and gave away cash prizes and certificates to the winner and first runner-up of the ‘Free Fall Jump Show’. Major Prakash Khadka and Major Dhiren Adhikari won the titles respectively.
Another NA personnel Purna Bahadur Bhandari who was injured after falling into the ground as his parachute did not operate fully was rescued by the NA health team and taken to the Birendra Hospital Chhauni. He is said to have suffered a severe injury on his left leg.
The scene of NA helicopter showering flower petals with a display of a banner reading ‘NA Day-2075 BS’ was quite interesting and eye-catching.
The NA personnel opened celebratory fire from rifle and canons. Likewise, various cultural processions, dances and band display were the part of the celebrations.
A mass PT show was organised at the Army Parade Ground. Various shows as PT, Taek-won-do, shoot-to-kill, ‘mukdal’, Raudra Tandava’ and khukuri drill were presented as part of the mass PT. Some military skills showing the professional capacity of the Nepali Army were also displayed on the occasion.
An army helicopter displayed the Army banner while a helicopter show was also presented on the occasion. The Army band presented a band display. Various motor vehicles appliances and arms and ammunitions used by the Nepali Army were also exhibited on the occasion.
The special force brigade presented a demo of military skills of quelling terrorist attack. Floats showcasing the costumes and tradition and folk dances representing all the seven provinces of the country were also paraded at the special programme.
Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and National Assembly chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina were present at the function. Government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, the presidents of the parliamentary various thematic committees, lawmakers, office-bearers of the constitutional bodies, government high officials, chiefs of the security bodies, heads and representatives of the Nepal-based foreign diplomatic missions and distinguished persons from various walks of life were also there to witness the Shivaratri and Army Day celebration.
A large number of members of the general public had gathered around Tundikhel to observe the Shivaratri celebration. Nepal Television among various other electronic media had given live coverage of the event.
Before this, Chief of the Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa presented the ‘Nature Conservation Trophy’ to the Shumsher Company and Shree Mehar Battalion, the banner to the Kalidhwaj Battalion which came out first in the professionalism competition and the banner to the Kalisiddhi Battalion and the Second Ranger Battalion.
Following the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff presented the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medals to individuals who have contributed from various social sectors. Insignia were conferred on te officers and the rank and file of various battalions on the occasion.
