July 28, 2025

Nepal Sambat is a distinctive New Year celebration observed primarily by the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. Unlike the national Bikram Sambat calendar, Nepal Sambat follows a lunar calendar and usually falls in late October or early November. This festival is rich in cultural symbolism, marked by spiritual rituals that emphasize purification, renewal, and community bonding.

The highlight of Nepal Sambat is the Mha Puja, or the worship of the self, where individuals perform rituals to purify and honor their own souls. Families gather around intricately painted mandalas symbolizing the universe and the individual’s place within it. Offerings and prayers seek blessings for health, prosperity, and success in the coming year. This unique practice reflects the Newar worldview, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions seamlessly.

Throughout the celebrations, vibrant cultural programs showcase traditional music, dance, and folk performances, keeping centuries-old customs alive. Streets in Newar neighborhoods are decorated with colorful lights and festoons, and communities come together to share feasts and renew social ties. The festival is a vivid expression of Newar identity and their deep connection to Kathmandu Valley’s heritage.

For visitors, Nepal Sambat offers an intimate glimpse into one of Nepal’s oldest and most culturally rich New Year traditions. Experiencing Mha Puja and the surrounding festivities reveals the spiritual depth and artistic vibrancy of the Newar people, making it a fascinating cultural encounter.

Time of Year: Late October or early November (lunar calendar)

Who Celebrates: Primarily Newar community in Kathmandu Valley

Location: Kathmandu Valley, especially in traditional Newar neighborhoods

What to Expect: Mha Puja (self-worship ritual), mandala painting, cultural performances, family feasts

Interesting Facts:

  • Nepal Sambat is one of the oldest calendars in Nepal, predating the Bikram Sambat
  • Mha Puja symbolizes self-purification and cosmic harmony
  • The festival blends Hindu and Buddhist rituals unique to Newar culture