American Tunes at Tundikhel: Band Performance by Over Two Dozen US Soldiers Steals the Show on Army Day
Kathmandu — A contingent of the US Army garnered special attention during the grand ceremony organized at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel on Sunday to mark the 263rd anniversary of the Nepali Army and Maha Shivaratri. In the program held under the chief patronage of President Ramchandra Paudel, over two dozen US Army soldiers presented a cultural performance playing their band.
President Paudel, in his capacity as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Nepali Army, was given a special salute upon his arrival at the Army Pavilion. He paid tribute to the martyrs by offering a wreath at the military memorial. The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal, council of ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Inspector General of the Armed Police Force.
As the main attraction of the ceremony, military bands from India, Britain, and the United States presented performances. President Paudel honored the heads of the military contingents from all three countries by presenting them with a ‘Token of Remembrance’.
Specifically, the US Army contingent conveyed a message of cultural exchange by playing Nepali and international tunes during their band performance. The presentation, involving about two dozen American soldiers, received hearty applause from the audience present.
During the program, 2,524 Nepali Army personnel presented various military arts, combat skills, tableaux, and cultural performances. Flower petals were showered from helicopters, and skydiving demonstrations were conducted using parachutes. A Maha Shivaratri salute was offered with rifles and cannons.
The Nepali Army also exhibited vehicles, equipment, and weapons used in peacekeeping missions. On the same occasion, President Paudel released the army’s annual magazine ‘Sipahi-2082’ and awarded prizes to the winners of the freefall jump competition.
The program saw notable presence of former ministers, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, high-ranking government officials, and distinguished personalities from various sectors. A large number of the general public also observed the program directly in the Tundikhel area.
The Nepali Army has been celebrating its establishment day on the day of Maha Shivaratri since 1819 BS. This year’s ceremony has not only showcased the capabilities of the Nepali Army but also highlighted the deepening of international relations. Particularly, the participation of the US military contingent indicates a further strengthening of bilateral military cooperation, following the recent visit of the American Indo-Pacific Commander to Nepal.
