Pokhara, 16 February | Following the viral spread of images on social media showing the United States Army performing at Tundikhel in Kathmandu, the Nepal Army Headquarters has issued a clarification to dispel growing public curiosity and rumors. The images surfaced during the celebrations of Army Day and Maha Shivaratri, coinciding with the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, spokesperson for the Nepal Army, clarified that the participation of foreign military bands is a regular tradition during Army Day festivities and reflects mutual diplomatic ties. He emphasized that such activities are part of routine “Army-to-Army” operations and exchange programs, noting that Nepal’s own military band recently participated in India’s Army Day, where the proceedings were even conducted in the Nepali language.
The military relationship between Nepal and the United States dates back to 1947, and such cultural and professional exchanges have remained a consistent feature under various administrations, including those of former Prime Ministers KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Beyond the US, Nepal regularly engages in joint military exercises and youth exchange programs with nations like India, China, the UK, and Pakistan. Despite the routine nature of the event, the timing—just two weeks before the general elections—has sparked political debate. While some critics have attempted to link the performance to foreign political influence or the recent Gen-Z movement, the military and government supporters have urged the public not to be swayed by misleading narratives. The Nepal Army has reiterated that these events are institutional practices aimed at strengthening international cooperation and should not be used as a tool for electoral propaganda.
