Nepal Celebrates New Year 2083 with Traditional Fervor

Kathmandu. Today (Tuesday), 1 Baishakh 2083 Bikram Sambat, the first day of the New Year, is being celebrated across Nepal with the exchange of warm greetings. There is a long-standing tradition of celebrating this day as Baishakh Sankranti or Mesh Sankranti, marking the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries.

Individuals often use this day to evaluate the successes and failures of the past year, making resolutions to avoid past mistakes and planning for future achievements. The day began with rituals such as bathing, cleaning homes and courtyards, enjoying festive meals, and connecting with friends and relatives via social media or phone calls to exchange greetings.

Nepalis living in every corner of the world are celebrating this day as the New Year. In Kathmandu, crowds were seen on the streets meeting friends and family. Scenes of people celebrating with group picnics in temples, parks, and monuments were also observed.

Prof. Dr. Madhav Bhattarai, Chairman of the National Dharma Sabha, states that the Bikram Sambat is eternal as it follows the movement of the sun. He explains that the calendar is scientific, as the new year begins when the sun enters Aries and concludes its cycle in Pisces.

The Bikram Sambat incorporates both solar and lunar calculations and is believed to have begun 3,044 years after the start of the Kali Yuga.

On the occasion of the New Year, President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal, among others, have issued messages of greetings. Similarly, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Nepali Congress leader Gagan Kumar Thapa, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal also issued messages extending their best wishes.