Tens of thousands of Nepalis marched through the streets of Kathmandu, demanding the return of the monarchy and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion.
They waved flags and chanted slogans, calling for the restoration of the monarchy that was abolished in 2008.
The protesters also demanded the return of King Gyanendra, who was forced to relinquish power in 2006.
Some protesters played traditional music and shouted, “Bring back the king to save the country” and “We love our king more than our lives.”
A rival group, supporting the current government, held a separate celebration for Republic Day, sparking concerns of potential clashes between the two groups.
However, hundreds of police officers were deployed to maintain order and prevented any violent confrontations.
A leader of the pro-monarchy group stated that the protests would continue until the monarchy is reinstated and Nepal becomes a Hindu state again.
This latest protest marks a resurgence of royalist activism, following a violent demonstration on March 28 that resulted in two deaths and property damage.
Over the past few months, there has been a growing demand for the king’s return, with many Nepalis losing faith in the current government and political system, which they see as corrupt and ineffective.
King Gyanendra was forced to relinquish power in 2006 and the Nepalese parliament abolished the monarchy in 2008, forcing him to leave the palace and live as a ordinary citizen.
Although he has not publicly commented on the recent protests, the chances of his return to power remain slim, due to a lack of support from the parliament and the overall political system.