Newari New Year - Nepal Sambat

The Nepal Sambat (Nepal Era), which was started by Shankhadhar Shakhwaa entered its 1124th year Sunday, October 26, 2003 with the Newar community from all over the country eager to mark the new year with different festivities and cultural programmes. The Nepal Sambat follows the lunar calendar. Shakwaa had freed the Nepali people from their debts contributing the money from his own pocket and had named the calendar 'Nepal Sambat'. The lunar calendar is followed for all cultural events and rituals.

Nepal is known for its continuous festivals. The Nepalese are said to observe more festivals than there are days in the year. Hardly a day passes without some festivities, ceremonial observances or pilgrimages taking place in some part of the country or the other.