July 28, 2025

The Bikram Sambat New Year marks the official start of the year in Nepal’s national calendar, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Falling in mid-April, usually on the 13th or 14th, this festival ushers in the warmer spring season and embodies themes of renewal, prosperity, and community. It is the most widely recognized New Year observance nationwide, cutting across ethnic, linguistic, and religious lines.

During Bikram Sambat New Year, cities and towns burst into life with colorful festivities, especially in cultural hubs like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. One of the most iconic events associated with this celebration is the Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur, a dynamic festival featuring the pulling of giant wooden chariots, ritual pole erections, and lively processions. This exuberant event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the welcoming of a prosperous new year.

Communities also engage in family reunions, house cleaning, and various religious rituals to invite blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. Traditional foods are prepared and shared, and the skies fill with kites—a symbol of freedom and aspirations. The collective spirit of the festival reinforces social bonds and renews cultural identity.

For travelers visiting Nepal during this time, Bikram Sambat New Year offers a unique opportunity to witness living traditions and community celebrations that have been practiced for centuries. The blend of religious fervor, cultural expression, and joyful festivities make it a truly immersive experience.

Time of Year: Mid-April (usually April 13th or 14th)

Who Celebrates: Nationwide—Nepalese of all ethnicities and religions

Location: Celebrated throughout Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan

What to Expect: Chariot processions (Bisket Jatra), kite flying, family gatherings, religious rituals, feasts

Interesting Facts:

  • Bikram Sambat is the official calendar of Nepal
  • Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur is a highlight attracting thousands of locals and tourists
  • Kite flying symbolizes the letting go of past burdens and hopes for the future