NA team sets out on Gorakha-Kathmandu march to promote 'unification route'

Gorakha, Jan 5: A Nepali Army (NA) squad has embarked on a trek along the historic Gorakha-Kathmandu route, which was once used during Nepal's unification campaign by King Prithvi Narayan Shah.    

Prithvi Narayan Shah started the unification of Nepal in 1743. He is also credited for moving the royal seat of power to Kathmandu.    

The journey aims to promote this historically significant route, which traces the path taken by the king during his unification initiative.    

The trek will conclude with participation in the celebrations of Prithvi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, observed on Push 27 in the Nepali calendar (January 11). This date also marks National Unification Day in Nepal. The trek will pass through Dhading and Nuwakot before reaching Kathmandu.    

According to lieutenant colonel Ashok Kumar Chhetri, the chief of the NA's Ripumardan Battalion in Gorakha, the journey will join a special ceremony at Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu on National Unification Day.    

The NA team departed from Hanuman Bhanjyang Chautara within the Durbar premises, carrying the national flag and lights to mark the beginning of their historic journey. The trip is supported and coordinated by the Gorkha Municipality and Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality in Gorkha, and has been underway for the past six years.    

Among those present at the farewell ceremony in the Durbar area were NA personnel, local representatives, and Punya Bikram Paudel, the Chief District Officer of Gorkha.  (RSS)