Today Marks People’s Movement Day: Remembering the End of the Panchayat System and the Restoration of Democracy

In Nepal, the 26th of Chaitra is observed as People’s Movement Day, commemorating the restoration of democracy. On Chaitra 26, 2046 BS (April 9, 1990), the 30-year Panchayat system was abolished and a multiparty democratic system was reinstated. Following a joint people’s movement led by the Nepali Congress along with the United Left Front, King Birendra announced the restoration of the multiparty system on this day.

Various programs are being held today to celebrate People’s Movement Day. The Panchayat system, initiated by King Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 BS (December 16, 1960), was ended on Chaitra 26, 2046 BS. The joint people’s movement, spearheaded by the Nepali Congress and supported by the United Left Front, brought an end to the three-decade-long Panchayat system. Since then, Nepal has been governed under a multiparty democratic system.

The movement, led by Congress leader Ganeshman Singh, lasted for 50 days. It began on Falgun 7, 2046 BS, coinciding with the anniversary of democracy’s initial establishment in Nepal on Falgun 7, 2007 BS (February 19, 1951). On Chaitra 26, King Birendra addressed the nation and declared the restoration of multiparty democracy.