Nepal Observes People’s Movement Day to Commemorate Restoration of Democracy

Nepal is observing People’s Movement Day (Jana Aandolan Diwas) today with a series of programs honoring the restoration of democracy in the country. This day marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s modern political history, commemorating the reinstatement of multi-party democracy on April 8, 1990, which brought an end to the 30-year-long party-less Panchayat system.

The Panchayat regime, introduced by King Mahendra on December 15, 1960, was formally dismantled following a nationwide pro-democracy movement led jointly by the Nepali Congress and the United Left Front. Under the leadership of Ganesh Man Singh, a prominent figure in the Nepali Congress, the movement endured for 50 days, beginning on February 18, 1990. That date also marked the 39th anniversary of the end of the Rana autocracy, a symbolic starting point for the push toward democratic governance.

The movement reached its climax on April 8, when King Birendra addressed the nation and declared the restoration of a multi-party-political system. Following this announcement, the ban on political parties was lifted, and Nepal transitioned into a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

People’s Movement Day is now recognized as a landmark in Nepal’s struggle for democratic rights and civil liberties and continues to be observed nationwide in remembrance of the sacrifices made to secure political freedom.