Kathmandu: Today marks the celebration of Nepal Sambat New Year 1145, with festivities taking place across the country. The Newar community is particularly active in commemorating this significant day, which is recognized as the New Year’s Day according to the indigenous Nepal Sambat calendar.
The Nepal Sambat calendar was established by Shankhadhar Sakhwa in 880 AD, a time when he relieved the people of Nepal from debt during the reign of Lichchhavi King Raghav Dev. In recognition of his contributions, the government declared Sakhwa a national luminary on November 18, 1999.
In celebration of this important occasion, the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and various political party leaders have extended their best wishes to all those observing the Nepal Sambat.
The day is particularly festive for the majority Newar population residing in areas such as Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bahrabise, and Dolakha, who celebrate it with various traditional programs and activities.