Happy New Year 2071!
How many of you are managed to keep your New Year’s resolutions you made in January? Never fear, it is Nepali New Year! Think of it as a second chance and start those resolutions again!
The new calendar starts on 14th April 2014 or on Baishak 1st 2071, this is considered the national New Year. However, as there are many ethnic groups there are also other different calendars and New Years celebrations. Many Nepalis will celebrate this weekend and make the most of the family time together. Especially for the Nepali communities elsewhere in the world who aren’t given a national holiday.
Last year, when the year turned 2070 I did not believe M as I was always confused by the Nepali calendar. I asked him why Nepal was living so far in the future. But as he thinks he is so funny he responded that Nepal weren’t waiting for Jesus (cue laughter here)! It did make me think how naive I was in assuming that the whole world was in 2014.
Typically, Nepali New Year is a time spent with family and friends but there are not that many parties in comparison to London 2014 New Year. But for those who fancy a festival, Nepali New year coincides with Bisket Jatra which runs for about 5 days in Bhaktapur. Bisket Jatra is an ancient Newari festival where people meet in the town to celebrate and worship the two deities God Bhairab and Godess Bhadrakali. There are many chariots flying around Bhaktapur at this time and even the odd tug-of-war game.
Similarly, the festival Balkumari Jatra is located in Thimi during New Year. The people of Thimi worshop the Godess Bhadrakali in particular and throw vermillion powder at a procession. It is also known by Sindur Jatra for this reason! This blog has some really lovely photos of the smaller festival.
Also, check out nepaliaustralian’s blog post on New Year 2069 for a more in depth explanation about the Nepali New Year and surrounding festivals.
Whatever you choose to do, be it in Nepal or elsewhere, make sure you have an amazing New Year festival. Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!
Naya Barsha ko Hardik Mangalmaya Subhakamana.
