Know about Nepalese New year

For our clients currently trekking and holidaying in Nepal they’ll also be able to enjoy a New Year celebration, which welcomes in the year 2081!

 New Year is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the future. It marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in our lives, offering an opportunity to set new goals, make resolutions, and embrace positive change. People around the world commemorate New Year's Eve with parties, fireworks, and gatherings with friends and family. It's a time to bid farewell to the past year's experiences, both joyful and challenging, and to welcome the New Year with hope, optimism, and renewed energy. New Year's Day often brings a sense of excitement and possibility, symbolizing new beginnings and opportunities. It's a time to cherish the memories of the past and to embrace the adventures that lie ahead. Whether it's through traditional rituals, cultural customs, or personal reflections, New Year serves as a universal moment of celebration and renewal for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Nepali New Year for Nepalese is indeed a festive occasion. Baisakh Sankranti is another popular name for the first day of the Nepali New Year. On this day there is a public holiday in the country. It is the time when nature welcomes the year with new life. Everything seems green and colorful resulting in a rejuvenating ambiance for the refreshment of every single Nepali person.

When is Nepalese  New Year?

Nepali New Year, also known as "Nepal Sambat," typically falls in mid-April. The exact date varies each year because it follows the lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls between April 11th and April 15th. It's a joyous occasion celebrated with various cultural and religious festivities across Nepal.

History of Nepalese New Year

 Nepal Sambat was established in the 12th century by a legendary figure named Shankhadhar Shakhwa. According to legend, Shankhadhar Shakhwa was a wealthy merchant who lived during the reign of King Amsuvarman in the Kathmandu Valley. He was deeply moved by the suffering of his fellow citizens who were heavily taxed by the ruling king. In response, Shankhadhar Shakhwa paid off the debts of the people and established a new calendar system, Nepal Sambat, to mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity and liberation for the valley.

Nepal Sambat is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon. It is believed to have been introduced during the reign of King Raghavadeva, who ruled the Kathmandu Valley in the 9th century. However, it was formally established and named Nepal Sambat by Shankhadhar Shakhwa in the 12th century.
 Nepal Sambat holds significant cultural and religious importance in Nepal. It is celebrated as the national calendar and is used for religious and cultural festivals, as well as for administrative purposes. The New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual renewal.

In the 20th century, Nepal Sambat faced a period of decline and was largely forgotten. However, it was revived and reintroduced as a national calendar in the 20th century, thanks to the efforts of scholars, cultural activists, and political leaders. In 2008, the Government of Nepal officially recognized Nepal Sambat as the national calendar of Nepal, reaffirming its cultural and historical significance.

Nepali New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivities throughout Nepal. Streets and public spaces are decorated with colorful banners, flags, and traditional motifs. There are cultural programs, concerts, and street performances showcasing Nepali music, dance, and arts. Families gather to exchange greetings, share meals, and seek blessings for the coming year from elders and ancestors.

Overall, the history of Nepali New Year reflects the resilience, cultural pride, and unity of the Nepali people, as they celebrate their heritage and traditions passed down through generations.

Why the Nepalese New Year is different?

 Nepal Sambat is a lunar calendar that has been used in Nepal for centuries. It was initiated by a legendary figure named Shankhadhar Shakhwa in the 9th century. Nepal Sambat follows a lunar system based on the phases of the moon, similar to other lunar calendars like the Islamic Hijri calendar or the Chinese lunar calendar. The first day of the Nepali New Year, also known as "Nava Varsha," falls on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik (usually in October or November in the Gregorian calendar).

The Gregorian calendar, which is widely used internationally, is a solar calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun and divides the year into 12 months. The New Year in the Gregorian calendar begins on January 1st, which marks the start of the calendar year in many countries.

The difference in the dates of Nepali New Year and the Gregorian New Year is primarily due to the distinct systems of calculation and cultural traditions associated with each calendar. While the Gregorian New Year is a globally recognized event, Nepali New Year holds cultural and historical significance specifically for the people of Nepal.

Why do people celebrate New Year?

People celebrate New Year for various reasons, including:

Fresh Start: New Year symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in life. It's a time for people to reflect on the past year, learn from their experiences, and look forward to starting afresh with renewed energy and optimism.

Setting Goals: Many people use the New Year as an opportunity to set goals and resolutions for themselves. Whether it's improving health, pursuing personal growth, or achieving career milestones, the start of a new year provides a natural framework for setting intentions and working towards them.

Cultural and Religious Significance: In many cultures, New Year is celebrated as a significant cultural or religious holiday. It often involves traditional rituals, ceremonies, and festivities that have been passed down through generations.

Community and Togetherness: New Year celebrations often bring people together. Whether it's through parties, gatherings, or public events, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are times for friends and family to come together, celebrate, and strengthen bonds.

Hope and Optimism: New Year is associated with hope and optimism for the future. It's a time to leave behind any negativity or challenges from the past and embrace the possibilities of the year ahead.

How can we celebrate upcoming New Year 2081?

Nepali New Year, 2081 would likely involve a mix of traditional customs, cultural festivities, and modern celebrations. Here are some ideas on how you could celebrate Nepali New Year in 2081:

We can show their admiration for nature, many opt for trekking in Nepal which includes Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and likewise. To get you into the festive spirit for your Nepali New Year soon, book soul-filling escapes as per your schedule. On the occasion of the New Year, one can expect special offers in every single aspect.

As the Nepali New Year welcomes the spring season as the starting season of the year, indeed it is a great idea to join the outdoor trips to embrace the spring weather. During their Nepali New Year visit, many people are eager to upload their Nepali New Year photo as their profile picture.

Attend Cultural Events: Look for local events and festivals organized by Nepali communities or cultural organizations in your area. These events often feature traditional music, dance performances, food stalls serving Nepali cuisine, and cultural exhibitions showcasing art and crafts.

Wear Traditional Attire: Embrace the spirit of Nepali New Year by wearing traditional Nepali clothing such as a daura suruwal for men or a sari or kurta for women. You can also accessorize with traditional jewelry and adornments.

Prepare Nepali Cuisine: Celebrate Nepali New Year by preparing and enjoying traditional Nepali dishes with family and friends. You could cook specialties like momos (dumplings), dal bhat (rice and lentils), sel roti (sweet fried bread), and various chutneys and pickles.

Decorate Your Home: Decorate your home with colorful rangoli designs, flowers, and traditional Nepali decorations like torans (door hangings) and prayer flags. Create a festive atmosphere by lighting candles or oil lamps, known as diyas.

Perform Rituals and Puja: Participate in traditional rituals and puja ceremonies to usher in the New Year. Offer prayers and offerings to deities and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Exchange Gifts: Exchange gifts with family and friends as a gesture of goodwill and affection. Traditional Nepali gifts could include sweets, fruits, dried fruits, nuts, or cultural items such as statues of Hindu deities, incense, or prayer beads.

Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to love ones, whether they're near or far, to exchange New Year greetings and well wishes. Use modern communication tools like video calls, social media, or messaging apps to connect with friends and family members.

Reflect and Set Intentions: Take time to reflect on the past year and set intentions or resolutions for the year ahead. Consider what you hope to achieve or improve upon in various aspects of your life and commit to positive changes.

By blending traditional customs with modern celebrations, you can create a memorable and meaningful Nepali New Year celebration in 2081 that honors the rich cultural heritage of Nepal while embracing the spirit of renewal and optimism for the future.

Best places to celebrate New year in Nepal

Kathmandu

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is a vibrant and lively place to celebrate New Year. Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu, comes alive with street parties, live music, and cultural performances. You can also visit historic sites like Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) to witness traditional rituals and festivities.

Pokhara

 Known for its stunning lakeside setting and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Pokhara is another popular destination to celebrate New Year in Nepal. Lakeside restaurants and cafes host special events and parties, while you can also enjoy boat rides on Phewa Lake and watch fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Chitwan National Park

 If you prefer a more nature-oriented celebration, Chitwan National Park offers a unique New Year experience amidst lush jungles and wildlife. You can participate in jungle safaris, elephant rides, and cultural programs organized by resorts and lodges in the area.

Nagarkot

 For a peaceful and scenic New Year celebration, head to Nagarkot, a hill station located just outside Kathmandu Valley. Famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, Nagarkot offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can watch the sunrise over the mountains on New Year's Day and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Bandipur

 A picturesque hilltop town with well-preserved Newari architecture, Bandipur is a charming destination to welcome the New Year. Explore the cobbled streets lined with traditional houses, visit ancient temples, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Many guesthouses and cafes in Bandipur organize cultural programs and festivities for New Year's Eve.

Lumbini

 For a spiritual New Year experience, consider visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the sacred gardens, visit monasteries and temples, and participate in meditation and spiritual retreats to welcome the New Year with mindfulness and reflection.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate New Year in Nepal, whether you prefer vibrant city festivities, serene nature escapes, or spiritual experiences.

Final say

In conclusion, celebrating the New Year in Nepal offers a diverse array of experiences, from vibrant city festivities to serene nature escapes and spiritual retreats. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu's Thamel district, enjoy the tranquil beauty of Pokhara's lakeside setting, or seek spiritual renewal in the sacred sites of Lumbini, or you can trekking also. Nepal has something for everyone. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Nepal provides the perfect backdrop for welcoming the New Year with joy, gratitude, and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. Whatever destination you choose, celebrating New Year in Nepal is sure to create lasting memories and enrich your life with unique experiences.

Travel with Nepal holidays treks and tours this year

As we embark on a new year filled with endless possibilities, the team at Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours extends our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this year be filled with joy, adventure, and unforgettable experiences that leave you inspired and rejuvenated?

As we venture into the great outdoors, let's remember to tread lightly and minimize our impact on the environment. Let's leave no trace of our presence, respecting the delicate balance of nature and preserving the beauty of the landscapes we explore.

May the coming year bring you closer to nature, deeper connections with fellow travelers, and moments of awe and wonder that remind you of the magic of the world around us.

Here's to new adventures, cherished memories, and a year filled with boundless opportunities. Happy New Year from all of us at Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours
If you want any help choosing the right place to celebrate New Year, you can call/Viber/Whats App us at +977-9843770916 or email info@nepalholidaytreksandtours.com for any inquiries you may have.