Kathmandu, Oct 23: The Nepal government would take
initiatives to adopt 'Nepal Era' as the national calendar
replacing 'Bikram Era' used from the period of Indian emperor
Vikramaditya.
Nepal era is followed by Newars, the main ethnic group of
Kathmandu, who celebrated their 1127th new year here today. It
was introduced by Sankhadhar Dakhwa, a Newar reformist who
freed the people of Kathmandu valley from their debts and
named the calendar 'Nepal Sambat.'
Addressing a massive rally as part of the Newar new year
celebrations, Prime Minister G P Koirala assured to take
"utmost initiatives" to provide Nepal Sambat the status of
national calendar.
He also said the government will soon start preparations
to establish academy in the name of Dhakhwa, who began the
Nepal Era. The government has declared Dhakhwa as a national
hero in 1999.
The Nepal era is observed every year coinciding with the
Deepawali festival. A large number of Newars, clad in
traditional attire, carried traditional lamp-pot sukundas and
marched along the city roads as part of the new year
celebrations today.
Nepal currently follows the Bikram Era calendar for
official purposes.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, October 23, 2006, 00:00