Nepal marks its 11th Constitution Day today, September 19, the anniversary of the country's current constitution, which was adopted on Ashoj 3, 2072 BS (2015).
The day is Nepal's National Day and one of the most important democratic milestones .
The 2015 constitution was Nepal's first written by elected representatives. It replaced an earlier interim constitution from 2007 and shifted the country from a single central government to a federal system with provinces. Because Nepal was never colonized, it has no separate Independence Day, Constitution Day serves that role instead.
In past years, the government has marked the day with a main ceremony at Tundikhel's Army Pavilion, public flag-hoisting, and concerts. In years following major national events, some of these celebrations have been scaled back. Constitution Day usually carries a festive, patriotic tone across the country, marked by public holidays and community events.
The past year has tested the constitution more directly than most Nepal's political landscape shifted significantly following last year's Gen Z-led movement, which led to a change in government and renewed public debate over accountability, representation, and whether the constitutional system needs reform. This year's anniversary arrives with that context still fresh, alongside the more recent strain of the August flood disaster's aftermath.
Constitution Day is a national public holiday, with schools, government offices, and most businesses closed for the day.
