Nepal Sambat 1146 began from Wednesday. Mainly the Newar community marked the occasion organizing various programmes across the country including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Sankhu, Tokha, Kirtipur, Thechwo, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bahrabise, Dolakha, and Tansen. Moreover, it was celebrated by the Newars living in USA, Australia and other countries. This traditional calendar is observed as the New Year by the Newar community.
Nepal Sambat was initiated by national iconic figure Shankhadhar Sakhwa in 880 AD. Then he paid out all debts of the countrymen. It is also belived that he has taken sands of Bishnumati River from the porters from Bhaktapur as they were assigned to pick up sands at some auspicious moment. That was believed to be turned to gold. But smelling soothing special as the people of Bhaktapur was carrying sand from Bsihnumati.
Traditionally, the Newar traders close their annual accounts a day before new year to come. That is Laxmi Puja in the Tihar festival. On the new year day, the Newars also celebrate Mha Puja, the ritual for self purification as a part of the festival.
The statue of Shankadhar Sakhwa
Nepal Sambat, the Lunar based calendar was originated during the reign of King Raghav Dev in the Lichchhavi era. This was used as the official calendar until the time of Prithvi Narayan Shah, around 260 years from now.
Following the establishment of democracy in 2007 BS, efforts to restore Nepal Sambat’s national recognition gained momentum. On New Year’s Day of 2056 BS, then Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai declared Shankhadhar Sakhwa a national figure, recognizing his historic act of debt cancellation as a model of social service and endorsing Nepal Sambat as a native calendar system.
Later, in 2065 BS, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal formally announced that Nepal Sambat would be given national recognition.
Prime Minister SushilaKarki addressing a function organized on the occasion said that ‘ Nepal Sambat calendar as the symbol of Nepalis’ pride, civilization and identity. (By Ram Dangol)
