Eleanor Finch
Nepal celebrates Constitution Day annually on 20 September, commemorating the adoption of the 2015 constitution of Nepal, which signified the country's shift from being ruled by a constitutional monarchy to becoming a federal democratic republic. The day is marked by various programs organized by the federal, provincial, and local governments, political parties, non-governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, and social organizations. It is a public holiday, with schools and most businesses closed. Constitution Day is a significant occasion for Nepalis, as it celebrates the country's transition to a federal republic and its commitment to democratic values, social justice, and equality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 20th September (19th September according to some sources) |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Type of Day | Public holiday |
| History of the day | Celebrates the adoption of the current Constitution of Nepal on 20th September 2015 |
| Other names | National Day of Nepal, Sambidhan Diwas |
| How it is celebrated | Political meetings, speeches, flag flying, lighting up buildings, public gatherings with traditional songs and dances, artistic performances |
| What the Constitution represents | Federal democratic republic, inclusive democracy, proportional inclusive representation, secularism, commitment to socialism, gender equality, abolition of the death penalty, freedom from discrimination |
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What You'll Learn
- Nepali Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 20th
- It is a public holiday and National Day of Nepal
- The constitution is celebrated as it ended discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, class, etc
- The constitution was drafted by the Second Constituent Assembly
- The constitution was an important shift from a monarchy to a federal republic
Nepali Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 20th
Nepal's constitution is notable for its commitment to a range of democratic ideals, including freedom of the press, civil liberties, and fundamental human rights. It also enshrines the right to autonomy and self-rule for the people of Nepal, while maintaining the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The constitution further emphasizes the importance of social and cultural solidarity, as well as ending all forms of discrimination and oppression.
The day is celebrated with various programs organized by federal, provincial, and local governments, political parties, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups. There are political meetings and speeches, as well as public gatherings with traditional songs and dances. The Nepali flag is displayed prominently, and buildings are lit up to mark the occasion.
Constitution Day holds significant meaning for Nepalis, as it commemorates the country's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a federal democratic republic. This shift marked the end of a 240-year monarchy and the realization of the people's aspirations for self-rule. The constitution-making process itself was a product of the Nepali people's seven-decade-long struggle, sacrifices, and popular movements.
The day serves as a reminder of Nepal's unique history, having never been colonized or ruled by foreigners. It is a celebration of the country's independence and a testament to the achievements of the Nepali people in their pursuit of a free and prosperous nation.
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It is a public holiday and National Day of Nepal
Constitution Day, also known as Nepali Constitution Day, is a public holiday in Nepal. It is observed annually on 20 September, commemorating the adoption of the country's constitution in 2015. This day is also treated as the National Day of Nepal, with various celebrations and programmes organised by the government and citizens.
Nepal's constitution is the fundamental law of the country, guiding its governance and outlining the rights and freedoms of its people. The constitution transformed Nepal from a constitutional monarchy to a federal democratic republic, ending the 240-year monarchy and marking a significant shift in the country's history. The constitution was drafted by the democratically elected Second Constituent Assembly, following the failure of the first assembly to produce a constitution. It came into effect on 20 September 2015, or Ashoj 3, 2072 BS, replacing the Interim Constitution of 2007.
Constitution Day is a day of celebration and pride for Nepalis, marking their independence and achievements. It is a time for the country to come together and declare its freedom and sovereignty to the world. The day is celebrated with enthusiasm, featuring political meetings, speeches, parades, and cultural performances. Buildings are lit up, and the Nepalese flag is displayed prominently across the country.
As a public holiday, Constitution Day is a day off for the general population, with schools and most businesses closed. The day holds great significance for Nepalis, both at home and abroad, as it represents the realisation of the people's aspirations for a constitution drafted by their elected representatives. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made and the struggles endured by Nepalis over seven decades to achieve this milestone.
Constitution Day is an important occasion for Nepal, a country that has never been colonised or ruled by foreigners. The day symbolises the country's independence, unity, and commitment to a prosperous and just society, governed by the principles of federal democratic republicanism.
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The constitution is celebrated as it ended discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, class, etc
Constitution Day in Nepal is celebrated on 20 September. It is a public holiday and the National Day of Nepal, commemorating the adoption of the country's current constitution in 2015. The constitution ended discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, class, and more.
Nepal's constitution guarantees equal rights to men and women and prohibits gender-based discrimination. It ensures that there shall be no discrimination in the application of general laws on various grounds, including gender, religion, caste, tribe, and economic condition. The constitution also stipulates that the state shall not discriminate among citizens based on these same grounds. These provisions promote gender equality and social justice, protecting the liberties and equality of all Nepali citizens.
However, there are still areas where discrimination persists. For example, Nepal's citizenship laws have been criticised for contravening the constitution and discriminating against women. According to Article 11(7) of the constitution, Nepali men can automatically confer citizenship to their children, while Nepali women must prove the father's identity or declare him "unidentified," facing prosecution if this declaration is proven false. This is a significant barrier for children of Nepali women to obtain citizenship compared to children of Nepali men.
Despite this remaining challenge, the Nepali constitution has made significant strides in ending discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, and class. Constitution Day is a celebration of these achievements and a reminder of the country's commitment to freedom and equality. The day is marked by political meetings, speeches, and displays of the Nepalese flag. There are also cultural performances, artistic exhibitions, and public gatherings with traditional songs and dances.
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The constitution was drafted by the Second Constituent Assembly
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Nepal, celebrated on 20 September each year. It commemorates the adoption of the country's current constitution, which came into effect on 20 September 2015. The constitution was drafted by the Second Constituent Assembly, following the failure of the First Constituent Assembly to produce a constitution in its mandated period.
The First Nepalese Constituent Assembly was unable to draft a new constitution and was dissolved on 28 May 2012, after four years of constitution drafting. The First Constituent Assembly had initially declared a republic and abolished the monarchy at its first meeting on 28 May 2008. However, it failed to agree on several key issues, including the inclusion of the opposition in the National Security Council and the National Defense Council.
New elections were held on 19 November 2013 for the Second Nepalese Constituent Assembly, and political leaders pledged to draft a new constitution within a year. The Second Constituent Assembly successfully drafted the Constitution of Nepal, which was endorsed by 90% of legislators. Out of 598 Constituent Assembly members, 538 voted in favour of the constitution.
The Constitution of Nepal is a comprehensive document, consisting of 35 parts, 308 Articles, and 9 Schedules. It provides a framework for governance and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The constitution also outlines the structure and functions of various governmental bodies, including the State Council of Ministers, the State Assembly, and Constitutional Organs and Bodies.
Constitution Day celebrations in Nepal include political meetings with speeches, prominent displays of the Nepalese flag, lighting up buildings, and large public gatherings with traditional songs and dances. The day is a significant occasion for Nepalis, as it marks the country's transition to a federal democratic republic and a more peaceful future.
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The constitution was an important shift from a monarchy to a federal republic
Nepal celebrates Constitution Day on 20 September. This public holiday commemorates the adoption of the 2015 constitution, which marked a significant shift from a monarchy to a federal republic.
Nepal has a rich and diverse history spanning millennia, including various ancient kingdoms and cultural interactions. The Kingdom of Nepal, a Hindu monarchy, was formed in 1768 and lasted until 2008, when the country became the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The monarchy in Nepal had a turbulent history, with varying degrees of power being exercised by the ruling Shah dynasty over the years.
In the early 1990s, Nepal faced a Maoist insurgency that aimed to eliminate the monarchy due to socio-economic disparities. This evolved into a full-fledged civil war in the late 1990s, characterised by bombings, armed clashes, and widespread unrest. In 1990, faced with a people's movement against absolute monarchy, King Birendra agreed to large-scale political reforms, transitioning to a parliamentary monarchy with a prime minister as the head of the government. However, King Gyanendra's imposition of direct rule in 2005 sparked protests that unified the Maoist insurgency and pro-democracy activists.
The House of Representatives was eventually restored, and in 2007, an interim constitution was adopted, restricting the monarchy's powers. Following elections in 2008, the Nepalese Constituent Assembly formally abolished the monarchy, declaring Nepal a federal democratic republic. This shift was a significant political transformation, emphasising inclusivity and democratic principles. The new constitution, which came into effect in 2015, was the first full-fledged constitution drafted by democratically elected representatives.
Constitution Day celebrations in Nepal include political meetings, speeches, and the prominent display of the Nepalese flag. There are also large public gatherings with traditional songs, dances, artistic performances, and illuminated buildings. This holiday is an important reminder of the country's historical shift from monarchy to federal republic, celebrating Nepal's transition to a free and secular state.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day is celebrated annually on 20 September.
Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the 2015 constitution of Nepal, marking the country's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a federal republic.
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Nepal, with schools and most businesses closed. The day is marked by political meetings, speeches, and the prominent display of the Nepalese flag. There are also cultural performances, artistic displays, and public gatherings with traditional songs and dances.
