Nepal's Threefold New Year: A Colorful Tapestry of Traditions, Feasts, and Festivities

Nepal is a country of cultural richness and diversity. One of Nepal's most unique things is how it celebrates New Year. Unlike other countries that only celebrate New Year's Day on January 1st, Nepal celebrates New Year's Day three different times in the year. Each celebration is marked with its own set of customs, rituals, and traditions that are unique to Nepal.

Nepal's first New Year celebration is the Bikram Sambat New Year, which is celebrated in the middle of April. The Bikram Sambat New Year marks the beginning of the Nepali lunar calendar, which dates back to 57 BC. On this day, the streets of Nepal are filled with people dressed in traditional garb, participating in bright processions, enjoying delectable delicacies, live music, and dancing acts that enhance the celebratory atmosphere. One of the most important customs associated with the Bikram Sambat New Year is the vibrant festival known as Bisket Jatra, which takes place in the town of Bhaktapur, just outside of Kathmandu.

Nepal's second New Year celebration is the Nepal Sambat New Year, which is celebrated in late October or early November. The Nepal Sambat New Year is the country's lunar calendar, created in the 9th century AD. On this day, people light candles and lamps to welcome fresh beginnings and eliminate the gloom from their homes and streets. Offerings and prayers are made at temples and shrines around Nepal as families gather for special feasts. One of the most significant customs observed during the Nepal Sambat New Year is the Mha Puja event, which means "worship of the self." . The event serves as a reminder of the value of having respect for oneself, the community, and one's ancestors.

Finally, Nepal's third and final New Year celebration is the Gregorian New Year, which begins on January 1st. Although it is not a tradition per se, Nepal’s youthful, urban population has enthusiastically embraced the idea of celebrations and fireworks on this day. All around the nation, celebrations, concerts, and other events are planned to usher in the New Year with flair and fervor.

Nepal's celebratory atmosphere is definitely one-of-a-kind. From the vibrant parades and feasts of the Bikram Sambat New Year to the serene prayers and lamp-lighting of the Nepal Sambat New Year, and finally the vivacious celebrations and fireworks of the Gregorian New Year, each festival offers a chance for new beginnings and rekindled hope. Nepal is an intriguing location for anyone looking for a different kind of celebration because of its vast cultural diversity and diversity, which are evident in its New Year customs.