Democracy Day | Vijaya Ekadashi

"Prajatantra Diwas" or National democracy day, this day holds a specific and significant value into Nepali calendar/ events. As a citizen of the peaceful land of Buddha's birthplace known also as a roof of this world, today I have decided to talk about the democracy and its meaning about which some of the most intelligent people seem confused.

Just imagine that we stepped into a time machine and we are transported/ teleported back 2500 years to ancient Greece. Sounds funny but the root of democracy is found there, primarily it means a mass governance, and decisions were taken on the basis of mass votes. Let me simplify, this process was almost like a referendum, this mass gathering was organized under uniform time and the decision of majority was carried out. Demos means people and Kratos means power, this is how today's democracy came up.

In the context of Nepal, a lot of Nepali brothers and sisters lost their life for this word and virtue "Democracy".  This widely acknowledged political ruling system is probably the hardest to sustain and achieve, Nepal's democracy has an adventurous history of being established, snatched and reestablished. During the 1940's, the people and civil society of Nepal launched a movement against the autocratic family regime of Ranas and established democracy in 1951's. The historic day of "Falgun 7" is now nationally commemorated as National democracy day which is today. This was an unprecedented historical achievement in Nepali political history which was again snatched by the monarch in 1961's.  The partyless panchayat system imposed by monarchs remained for 30 years when all parties were banned and the fundamental democratic rights of citizens were seized. Finally, democracy was restored through various movements and mass protests in 1990 and the monarchy was kept under the constitution. In the meantime, Maoists commenced people's revolution to combat the imperialist forces and establish an inclusive system, with the combined movement of other political forces and Maoists, a campaign was initiated against the autocratic steps of the monarch.  This mass movement successfully abolished the monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal (The comprehensive peace accord 2006). Nepal has several painful memories and glorious twists in its path of democracy, today is a national day in remembering those incidents and assimilating the lessons. The term "New Nepal" refers to a new democratic system of Nepal, a newer Federal Republic Nepal of this century translates a glorious example of democracy and peace to this world.

Respect and honor to the heroes of democracy, may the power of people become stronger and intact. Today is also the day to analyze how much our government is able to acknowledge and assimilate the dream and efforts of people's movement and martyrs. Let's remember Janaandolans, freedom fighters, the struggle to dethrone Ranas and monarchs and also raise our voices against any form of undemocratic practices and institutional corruption happing in current times. Even today the institutional corruption and access to opportunities and justice are not equal, democracy cannot sustain when justice is delayed. May the triangular flag always show up firmly from the top of Everest, may the sun (Surya) and moon (Chandra) always bless Nepal.


Vijaya Ekadashi


In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means the eleventh day. Let me bring the lunar manifestation of the calendar where a month is composed of two fortnights, waxing and waning moon. Each of these fortnights have one Ekadashi on their part, one is the Krishna paksha Ekadashi and another is Sukla Paksha Ekadashi. Bhagwat Geeta apparently narrates the words of Krishna to Arjuna about the importance of these Ekadashi and their significance in the spiritual awakening and purification of souls.

Normally Ekadashi fast is observed for one day however ancient scriptures states that Ekadashi fast spans over a period of three days. On the tenth day (Dashami), a day prior to fast devotees obtain a singular meal during afternoon hours to ensure that there will be no residual food particulars in the body. On Ekadashi, fast is observed and the food shall be obtained only after the sunrise in the twelfth day (Dwadashi). 

Upon the question of Yudhistira Krishna elaborates on the importance of Vijaya Ekadashi. Whoever observes the fast of this auspicious Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, certainly achieves success in this life and next. Vijaya means victory and this Ekadashi empowers the one to gain victory against all external and internal factors and distractions. This Ekadashi is apparently mentioned in Skanda Purana and in Ramayana, Lord Rama was in distress in finding a way to cross the ocean and reach to Sita. Unaware of his further route towards Sri Lanka, Lord Rama was prescribed to observe this fast by Saint Balada vaya. Lord Rama is the first one to observe the fasting of this Ekadashi. Devotees wake up early, perform the bathing rituals and worship Lord Vishnu by chanting Vishnu Sahastranam.

Lord Krishna elaborates on the importance of this Ekadashi to Yudhistira and a similar elaboration is done by Lord Bramha to Narad Muni. May all be happy and sustain their smiles, may peace prevail.

Suyog Dhakal for Hamro Patro