Nepal Celebrates Indigenous Sambat New Year 1146

Kathmandu, Oct 22 (PTI) - Nepal celebrated the New Year's Day according to the indigenous Sambat calendar, particularly honored by the Newar community, natives primarily from Kathmandu, the Himalayan nation's capital.

It marked the Nepal era New Year 1146, with Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav sending heartfelt wishes to Nepalis both at home and abroad. In his message, he expressed hopes for peace, prosperity, and happiness, acknowledging the role of Nepal Sambat in fostering tolerance, reconciliation, and fraternity across the nation.

A range of celebratory events unfolded for the occasion, amplifying the cultural significance of this indigenous calendar.

In a related development, the government declared a historic move to print the Nepal Sambat date on Nepali banknotes beginning this year, marking a blend of tradition and currency that underscores the calendar's importance.

The Newar community also commemorated Mha Puja, or self-worship, aligning with the fourth day of the Deepawali festival. This ritual emphasizes self-awareness, symbolically purifying mind and body to embrace the new year.

The Nepal Sambat calendar was originally established by Shankhadhar Sakhwa, a Kathmandu trader who lifted the people out of debt during the reign of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev in 880 AD. In appreciation of his monumental contribution, the government recognized Shankhadhar Sakhwa as a national luminary in November 1999.

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