Every year, Falgun 7 of the Nepali calendar is commemorated as the National Democracy Day in Nepal. In 2007 Bikram Sambat, on this day, democracy was
Every year, Falgun 7 of the Nepali calendar is commemorated as the National Democracy Day in Nepal. In 2007 Bikram Sambat, on this day, democracy was established in the Himalayan nation ending over a century old autocratic Rana regime.
Democracy Day is an off work holiday for all government
employees in Nepal. It is of great importance in Nepal's history since the long
reigning Rana Regime held such absolute sway over the nation. A new king, named
Prithivy Narayan Shah, led the movement to topple the Ranas.
Before the Ranas came to the throne, Nepal was really an
assortment of divided mini-states rather than a unified nation. An official
central government existed, but power was not much centralized. It was this
diversity and division that allowed the Ranas to more easily take control of
the government.
Democracy Day is a day to remember past heroes and to be
thankful for democratic government. There are many events for tourists to attend,
where they can learn of Nepal's history and see the nation's patriotism on
display.
What is Prajatantra Diwas in Nepal?
Usually, however, Democracy Day refers to the Nepali holiday
on February 19th, which is called "Prajatantra Diwas" in Nepali. It looks back to the day in 1951
when the Rana Dynasty was overthrown after a century in power. From here on, we
will be referring to February 19th as Nepal's Democracy Day-
Prajatanta Diwas.
Who is the founder of
democracy in Nepal?
Ganesh Man Singh was the leader of the democratic movement of 1990 in Nepal. He is revered as the Father of Democracy and the Iron-man of Nepali politics. He joined Praja Parishad to protest against the autocratic rule of the Ranas.
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