Nepal Observes 8th National Flag Day with Fervor and Patriotism

KATHMANDU, December 16, 2025 – Nepal today celebrated the 8th National Flag Day with various programs across the country, honoring the world’s only non-rectangular flag as a symbol of national pride, sovereignty, and unity.

The day, observed annually on Poush 1 of the Nepali calendar, marks the anniversary of the official adoption of the modern double-pennon flag by the Constitution of Nepal in 1962 (Poush 1, 2019 BS), and its subsequent recognition by the United Nations.

Celebrations in the Capital

In Kathmandu, the main event took place at the historic Basantapur Durbar Square. Organized by the National Heritage Conservation Foundation Nepal, a large-scale rally saw hundreds of participants, including youth, students, and cultural activists, carrying the crimson-colored national flag.

Rajananda Mandavya, the founding chairman of the foundation, addressed the crowd, stating, “This day is more than just a celebration; it is a movement to educate the new generation about the unique identity and mathematical precision of our national flag.”

National Tributes

Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Jagdish Kharel, extended his best wishes to all Nepalese citizens at home and abroad. In his message, he emphasized that the flag represents the bravery of the Gorkhalis (signified by the crimson red field) and the nation’s commitment to peace (signified by the blue border).

“The sun and the moon on our flag represent our hope that Nepal remains as permanent as these celestial bodies,” the Minister remarked during a press briefing.

Across the Nation

Celebrations were not limited to the capital:

• Dharan: A major rally was organized starting from the Sub-Metropolitan office, passing through the main bazaars and concluding at Bhanu Chowk with cultural performances.

• Pokhara & Butwal: Youth groups organized “Flag Walks” and awareness programs regarding the correct methods of displaying and respecting the national emblem.

Historical Significance

The current design of the flag was standardized in 1962 by civil engineer Shankar Nath Rimal at the request of the then-government. While the double-triangle shape has been used for centuries by various Himalayan principalities, the 1962 constitution provided the specific geometric instructions for its construction, which are preserved in the current 2015 Constitution.

As the day concluded, various government buildings and private residences across the seven provinces were illuminated, with the national flag hoisted prominently to mark the occasion.