TRICK OF THE WIND: Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal flanked by deputy Baburam Bhattarai (face in flag), UNMIN chief Ian Martin and UNDP\'s Robert Piper speak at a press conference at UN House in Pulchok on Thursday morning. (PIC: KIRAN PANDAY)

OLD GUARD: PM Koirala shakes hands with army chief Rukmangad Katawal at an army display at Tundhikhel on Wednesday, Loktantra Day. (PIC: KIRAN PANDAY)

FRIENDLY GESTURE: Maoist leader, CP Gajurel (left), speaks at a panel on Tuesday to discuss foreign aid and development. The other speaker was Markus Heiniger from the Swiss Foreign Ministry (middle). The session was moderated by Kunda Dixit, the editor of Nepali Times, which organised the program. (PIC: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA)

DROPPING OFF: Sher Bahadur Deuba (left) was feeling tired at the Loktantra Day reception at Shital Nibas on Wednesday. The prime minister seemed more alert. (PIC: KIRAN PANDAY)