KATHMANDU: Ten years after the catastrophic earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, a solemn memorial event was held in Barpak, Gorkha—the epicenter of the disaster.

Top political leaders, local residents, and survivors gathered to honor the lives lost and reflect on the country’s journey of recovery and resilience.

Former Prime Minister and Chair of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ reached Barpak on Friday to participate in the 10th Earthquake Memorial Day program. He was accompanied by former Deputy Prime Minister and senior Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, as well as Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey and other political figures.

The program began at exactly 11:56 AM—the precise time the earthquake struck on Baisakh 12, 2072 BS—with a moment of silence observed by the attendees to pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost in the disaster.

As part of the memorial events, a photo exhibition was also inaugurated in Barpak by Prachanda. The exhibition showcases powerful images of the destruction caused by the earthquake and the reconstruction efforts that followed over the past decade.

The exhibition aimed not only to remember the tragedy but also to honor the resilience of communities that rebuilt homes, infrastructure, and lives from the rubble.

To mark the solemn occasion, Barpak Rural Municipality declared a public holiday across its jurisdiction. Local schools, offices, and businesses remained closed as residents joined in remembrance activities.