Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Poudel attended a special function organised by the Nepal Army at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, here today to mark the 263rd Army Day.

President Poudel is the Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army. The Nepal Army has been observing Maha Shivaratri as its Army Day. According to classical beliefs, Shiva is considered a symbol of peace and security.

On the occasion, President Poudel launched the annual magazine ‘Sipahi-2082’, published by the Nepal Army, Directorate of Public Relations and Information. On the occasion, Lieutenant Colonel Bibek Bikram Shah and Lieutenant Colonel Bibek Bikram Shah won the freefall jump and Ramesh Kumar Chaudhary stood second. President Poudel presented gifts in memory to the chiefs of Indian, British and US Army armies who performed in the Army Day celebrations.

Prior to this, Nepal Army helicopters and drones showered flower petals and displayed the national flag and a banner with ‘Army Day-2082’ written on it. On the occasion, the NA displayed a parade with rifles and cannons. On the occasion, various arts, dances and musical tunes depicting various war skills and traditional costumes were presented by the Army. Army contingents also presented march passes on the occasion.

Various arms, equipment and vehicles used by the NA were put on display on the occasion.