Nepali New Year's Day

What Is Nepali New Year’s Day?

Nepali New Year’s Day, officially known as Navavarsha, signifies the commencement of the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar year. This annual observance is a public holiday across Nepal, providing an opportunity for national reflection and communal celebration. It functions as a day of fresh starts, similar to New Year observances in other cultures, where people set new goals and engage in festive activities.

The Bikram Sambat calendar is a solar calendar and is the official calendar of Nepal. Consequently, Nepali New Year’s Day is a pivotal cultural event, deeply ingrained in the nation’s social fabric. It is a time when families gather, traditional customs are observed, and a festive atmosphere permeates communities throughout the country.

History and Origins of Nepali New Year’s Day

The origins of Nepali New Year’s Day are rooted in the Bikram Sambat calendar, which is believed to have been established by the Indian emperor Vikramaditya. This calendar system is based on ancient Hindu traditions and astronomical calculations, primarily following the movements of the sun. The Bikram Sambat calendar starts its year with the first day of the month of Baishakh.

Historically, the Bikram Sambat calendar has been in use in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Nepal formally adopted it as its official calendar in 1903 AD (1960 BS) during the reign of Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana. This adoption solidified the importance of Navavarsha as a national holiday and a consistent point of reference for the nation’s timeline. The calendar’s specific starting point is often associated with Vikramaditya’s victory over the Shakas in 57 BCE, though historical accounts vary.

How Nepali New Year’s Day Is Celebrated

Nepali New Year’s Day is observed with a wide range of traditions and customs across Nepal. It is primarily a day for family gatherings, feasting, and visiting cultural sites. People often begin the day by cleaning their homes and surroundings, symbolising a fresh start.

Families prepare special meals, often featuring traditional Nepali dishes. Many people visit temples and other places of cultural observance to offer prayers and participate in ceremonies. Cultural processions and fairs are also common in various towns and cities, showcasing local traditions, music, and dances. It is also a time for exchanging greetings, gifts, and expressing good wishes for the coming year.

Celebrations in Kathmandu Valley

In the Kathmandu Valley, specific celebrations include the Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur, which is one of the most prominent New Year festivals. This event involves the pulling of a large chariot through the streets, culminating in the toppling of a tall wooden pole, symbolising the end of the old year and the arrival of the new. The festival draws large crowds and features vibrant processions and communal feasts. Elsewhere in the valley, people engage in picnics, outdoor activities, and community events to mark the occasion.

When Is Nepali New Year’s Day?

Nepali New Year’s Day follows the Bikram Sambat calendar, which is a solar calendar. The new year officially begins on the first day of the month of Baishakh (Baishakh 1). This date typically falls between 13th and 15th April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Since the Bikram Sambat calendar is based on solar calculations, its start date remains relatively consistent each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. Unlike lunar calendars where New Year dates can vary significantly, Navavarsha maintains a fixed position in the solar cycle, marking the onset of spring in Nepal. The specific Gregorian date can shift by a day or two depending on the exact astronomical calculations for that year.

Nepali New Year’s Day Key Facts