The Nepali people today celebrated the glorious ‘Bikram Sambat,’ the Nepali New Year.
The traditional New Year of Bikram Samwat is one of the many festivals of Nepal, marked by parties, family gatherings, the exchange of good wishes and participation in rituals to ensure good fortune in the coming year, according to Wikipedia.
The New Year occurs in mid-April each year and coincides with the traditional new year in Assam, Bengal, Maharashtra,Burma, Cambodia, Kerala, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Thailand as well.
As the Nepali people around the world celebrate the New Year, the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent her best wishes to the people of Nepal on behalf of President Barack Obama and all American people.
Ms. Clinton says Nepalis around the world reflect on the achievements of the past year and look ahead to new possibilities and opportunities.
“The United States stands with you as a steadfast friend and partner.” -Ms. Clinton
The US government is looking forward to working with Nepal to continue to strengthen the foundations of peace and prosperity in the years to come.
“Enjoy a safe and happy holiday. Naya Barshako Shubha-Kamana!” -Ms. Clinton
The Nepali people assert that Bikram Sambat is the glory of Nepal. The Nepalese people feel lucky because Nepal was never captured by foreign imperialists.
They say the continual practice of Bikram Sambat in Nepal is powerful proof against imperialists’ attempt to hold Nepal.
The Bikram Sambat was started at the beginning of the Licchavi period by the first powerful King Bikramaditya 2,067 years ago. The Nepal Sambat was started on the day of Managua, the day of body worship solemnized by the Newar community, in 936 BS. The Newar community celebrates the Nepal Sambat and Mahapuja simultaneously with great fervor on the same day.
In addition, Bikram Sambat is the calendar established by prominent Indian emperor called ‘Vikramaditya.’ The calendar is popularly used in India and the official calendar of Nepal, according to Wikipedia.
As a lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition, Bikram Sambat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the solar Gregorian calendar.
