KATHMANDU: The 18th Republic Day is being observed across Nepal today with various celebratory programs.

The day marks a historic turning point in the nation’s political journey—the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of a Federal Democratic Republic

Republic Day commemorates May 28, 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS), when the first Constituent Assembly, elected by the people, formally abolished the monarchy and declared Nepal a republic.

This brought an end to the Shah monarchy that had ruled the country for 240 years. To honor the occasion, the government has declared a national holiday.

A special ceremony is being held at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, attended by high-level dignitaries, security forces, and members of the public.

Nepal’s transition to a republic began after King Gyanendra seized direct control of the government on February 1, 2005.

This move triggered widespread opposition, as democratic institutions were suspended and civil liberties curtailed.

In response to the royal takeover, seven major political parties joined hands with the then-armed CPN-Maoist through a 12-point agreement signed in November 2005.

This landmark pact brought together previously divided forces under a unified goal: restoring democracy and ending monarchy.

The momentum for change escalated into a mass uprising by March 2006. Tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding democracy. The pressure forced King Gyanendra to reinstate the dissolved parliament in April 2006.

After its reinstatement, the parliament quickly moved to limit royal powers and suspended the monarchy altogether.

It also passed key resolutions to integrate the Maoists into the peace process and prepare for Constituent Assembly elections.

The 2008 Constituent Assembly elections were a watershed moment in Nepal’s history.

The first sitting of the Assembly on May 28 officially abolished the monarchy, marking the beginning of Nepal’s journey as a Federal Democratic Republic.