Nepal Celebrates New Year 2083 with Joy and Tradition

Kathmandu. Today, Baisakh 1, 2083 Bikram Sambat, marks the first day of the New Year. The day is being celebrated across the country with great joy and the exchange of warm greetings.

Today is also Baisakh Sankranti, or Mesh Sankranti, the day the sun completes its transit through Pisces and begins its journey through Aries. Because it follows the movement of the sun, the Bikram Sambat calendar is considered eternal. 

Scholars note that the calendar is scientific, as the transition of the sun into Aries marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. This calendar harmonizes both solar and lunar cycles. The Bikram Sambat era began 3,044 years after the start of the Kali Yuga. 

On this day, individuals reflect on the successes and failures of the past year, making plans and resolutions to avoid past mistakes and achieve future goals. Traditions include bathing early, cleaning homes and courtyards, visiting temples for worship, enjoying festive meals, and meeting with friends and family to exchange greetings. Nepalis living in every corner of the world celebrate Baisakh 1 as their New Year.

Photos: Krishna Khadka/Subash Shrestha