Nepal National Day

Nepal National Day

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  1. 1768Prithvi Narayan Shah unifies the Kathmandu Valley
  2. 2008Monarchy abolished and federal republic declared
  3. 2015New constitution promulgated on 20 September

The story behind the day

20 September marks Constitution Day in Nepal, commemorating the promulgation of the 2015 constitution. The date belongs to the federal democratic republic that emerged after civil war, the end of monarchy and years of constitutional negotiation.

The day became Nepal's national day because the constitution defined the country as a federal republic and attempted to settle questions of representation, secularism and inclusion. It remains contested by some Madhesi and Indigenous groups, so the holiday is not politically simple.

Today Constitution Day is marked with official ceremonies, flags, lights, parades and speeches in Kathmandu and provincial centres. Visitors see Nepal's unique double-pennant flag, army ceremonies, temple bells, mountain imagery and public debate about the republic.

Across Nepal, national identity is also expressed through festivals more than state ceremony. Dal bhat, momos, tea, music, family visits and regional dress give the day a human scale beyond politics.

  1. 202620 September 2026 · Sunday
  2. 202720 September 2027 · Monday
  3. 202820 September 2028 · Wednesday
The Nepali flag
Nepal flag

The Nepali flag is the world's only non-rectangular national flag, formed from two red pennants with blue borders, a moon and a sun. Red is Nepal's national colour and blue represents peace. The celestial symbols express permanence and older royal-Hindu imagery.

Nepali food is mountain, valley and plains cooking together, with rice, lentils, dumplings, pickles, tea and festival sweets at the centre.

What to eat

Dal bhatRice, lentil soup, vegetables and pickles, the everyday national meal.
MomoSteamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with achar.
Sel rotiRing-shaped rice bread fried for festivals and family occasions.
GundrukFermented leafy greens used in soups and pickles.
Newari choilaSpiced grilled meat salad from Kathmandu Valley traditions.
YomariRice flour dumpling filled with molasses and sesame, a Newar sweet.

What to drink

ChiyaSweet milk tea with spices, served in homes and stalls.
TongbaWarm fermented millet drink from eastern hill communities.
LassiYoghurt drink popular in the plains and cities.
Explore food & drink events ->

Nepal culture

Nepal culture is shaped by Himalaya, Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Newar urban life, many ethnic communities, trekking routes and a complex republican transition.

Constitution Day ceremonyKathmandu hosts official parades, speeches and illuminations.
Kathmandu Durbar SquarePalace temples show the older royal and Newar city heritage.
Boudhanath stupaThe great Buddhist stupa is a major symbol of Tibetan-Nepali culture.
Dashain festivalThe major family festival often expresses national culture more deeply than state holidays.