The government has cancelled the National Unity Day celebrations on Poush 27 (January 11).

Every year, the National Unity Day used to be celebrated on the occasion of birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah – the founder of Shah dynasty – who had unified the modern state of Nepal.

The Home Ministry has issued a notice asking all government offices and diplomatic missions of Nepal in foreign countries, corporations and educational institutions to continue their daily works.

This is the first time the government has cancelled the National Unity Day celebrations.

In fact, following the April change, a group of demonstrators had even damaged the main statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah located in front of the central secretariat in Singhdurbar. It remained covered with red cloth for around eight months. Just a few days ago it was uncovered – which showed that the crown and sword of the statue was missing.

Originally from a small state of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah had launched a unification campaign by winning small states, principalities and tribal fiefdoms to give the present shape of Nepal in 1768 AD.