Nepal Sambat, also known as Nepal Era, is a lunar calendar that originated in Nepal and holds deep cultural, historical, and national significance, especially among the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley. It is a unique calendar system, distinct from the widely used Bikram Sambat (Vikram Era) or the Gregorian calendar, and remains an important symbol of Nepal’s indigenous heritage and identity.
The calendar was introduced by the legendary trader Shankhadhar Sakhwa in 879 AD and is based on the lunar phases, aligning with Newar traditions and cultural practices. It continues to play a vital role in Nepalese festivals, rituals, and daily life, particularly among those who honor Nepal Sambat as a symbol of their cultural identity.
Origins of Nepal Sambat and the Legend of Shankhadhar Sakhwa
The Nepal Sambat calendar traces back to a single figure: Shankhadhar Sakhwa, a generous merchant from Kathmandu. Legend has it that Shankhadhar freed the people of Kathmandu Valley from their debts by redistributing wealth, which he had amassed by purifying the Bagmati River to extract gold. He used this wealth to clear the debts of the citizens, an act of kindness so impactful that the new calendar era was introduced in 879 AD to commemorate this liberation.
Due to this act, Shankhadhar is regarded as a national hero in Nepal, and Nepal Sambat is seen as a reminder of the importance of community welfare, social justice, and national unity.
In 2008, the government of Nepal officially recognized Shankhadhar Sakhwa as a national hero and declared Nepal Sambat a national calendar, elevating its status and historical significance.
Structure and Calculation of Nepal Sambat
Nepal Sambat is a lunar-based calendar system, which means it follows the cycles of the moon rather than the solar year. This makes it slightly different from the solar-based Gregorian calendar, as each month in Nepal Sambat begins with a new moon, and months generally last 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar phases.
The year begins with the festival of Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year, which falls during Tihar, the festival of lights in Nepal. This timing is significant because Tihar, which is celebrated in October or November, aligns with the Newar tradition of celebrating the self, family, and communal bonds.
Key Features of the Nepal Sambat Calendar:
- Lunar Basis: Unlike the solar calendar, Nepal Sambat follows lunar months, beginning with the new moon.
- 12 or 13 Months: Typically, the calendar has 12 months, but it occasionally adds an intercalary (extra) month to align with the solar year.
- Months and Days: The months in Nepal Sambat are similar to those in the Hindu calendar (e.g., Thinla, Kachhala, Pohela), and each month lasts 29-30 days.
- Year Counting: The calendar started in 879 AD, so to convert a year from Nepal Sambat to the Gregorian calendar, one needs to add 879 years.
Nepal Sambat and Newar Culture
For the Newar community, Nepal Sambat is not merely a calendar but a living part of their cultural identity. Important Newar festivals and rituals are based on this calendar, such as Mha Puja (self-worship), Yomari Punhi (celebrating the full moon with Yomari), and Indra Jatra (a festival honoring Lord Indra).
Mha Puja is particularly significant as it coincides with Nepal Sambat New Year. During Mha Puja, Newars perform rituals to purify and empower themselves, invoking prosperity and protection for the coming year. Nepal Sambat New Year is celebrated with traditional music, dances, and family gatherings, with Kathmandu Valley, particularly Patan and Bhaktapur, buzzing with festivities.
Social and Political Significance
Nepal Sambat holds a special place as a symbol of unity and independence. Its inception represented a liberation from debt and oppression and thus carries political symbolism, especially for those advocating for the recognition and preservation of indigenous cultures. Throughout history, the calendar has faced periods of neglect, particularly during the Shah and Rana regimes, when Bikram Sambat became more dominant.
In recent decades, however, cultural activists and members of the Newar community have successfully campaigned for the revival of Nepal Sambat. In 2007, the Nepalese government formally recognized it as a national calendar, restoring its importance and honoring its historical legacy.
The Revival of Nepal Sambat in Modern Nepal
The re-establishment of Nepal Sambat as a recognized national calendar has fostered a renewed sense of pride among the Newar community and other Nepalese citizens. Cultural organizations, religious groups, and activists now actively promote the calendar through festivals, public gatherings, and educational programs. The calendar is prominently used during New Year celebrations, and various communities mark the date with parades, cultural performances, and traditional music.
Several monuments and statues in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur honor Shankhadhar Sakhwa, paying tribute to his contributions and celebrating Nepal Sambat as an enduring legacy of indigenous identity.
Importance of Nepal Sambat in Contemporary Nepal
For many, Nepal Sambat serves as more than a historical calendar—it is a reminder of Nepal’s cultural diversity and the importance of indigenous heritage. In a country known for its ethnic and linguistic diversity, the Nepal Sambat calendar is a testament to the richness of Nepalese history and the contributions of the Newar people to the nation’s cultural fabric.
Today, the revival of Nepal Sambat continues to encourage younger generations to explore and appreciate Nepal’s past. It underscores the importance of preserving Nepal’s cultural legacy, especially as modern influences and global cultures permeate Nepalese society.
Conclusion
Nepal Sambat, with its unique historical roots and cultural depth, remains an invaluable part of Nepal’s heritage. The calendar not only celebrates the historical legacy of Shankhadhar Sakhwa’s compassionate act but also embodies the resilience, unity, and pride of the Newar people and the broader Nepalese community. Through the continued observance of Nepal Sambat and its festivals, Nepalese people today preserve an ancient tradition, ensuring that it remains relevant and cherished in the years to come.
References
- Gellner, D. N., & Pradhan, K. (1995). Contested Hierarchies: A Collaborative Ethnography of Caste among the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Oxford University Press.
- Tuladhar, M. (2000). Newars and Their Belief System. Mandala Book Point.
- Bajracharya, A. (2004). The Legacy of Nepal Sambat and Shankhadhar Sakhwa. Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
- Toffin, G. (2007). Newar Society: City, Village, and Periphery. Social Science Press.
- Shrestha, B. (2012). Calendar and Rituals of Nepal Sambat. Himal Books.
These references provide insights into the cultural, historical, and social relevance of Nepal Sambat, illuminating its significance within Nepalese society and heritage.
