Nepal Sambat (Newar: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑐮 𑐳𑐩𑑂𑐧𑐟, nepāla samvat, meaning "Nepal Era") is the lunisolar calendar used by the Newar people of Nepal.[1][2] It was the official calendar of Nepal since its inception on 20 October 879 till the end of the Malla dynasty in 1769.[3][4] During the period, Nepal Sambat appeared on coins, stone and copper plate inscriptions, royal decrees, chronicles, Hindu and Buddhist manuscripts, legal documents and correspondence.[5] After the conquest of Nepal by the Shahs in 1769, the official calendar of the country was replaced with Shaka era and then later by the Vikram Samvat.[3]
The calendar still holds cultural significance in Nepal, especially among the Newar people, whose festivals are based on this calendar system.[6] Owing to its cultural and historical significance, the government of Nepal declared to include Nepal Sambat in official government documents alongside Vikram Sambat since 11 November 2023.[7]
The origin of Nepal Sambat is often the subject of folklore like that of Sankhadhar Sakhwa, a semi-legendary figure who often appears in folklore as the progenitor of the calendar system. However, its historical origins still remain a mystery.[3]
- ^ Vajracharya, Gautama V. (6 November 2018). "Nepal Saṃvat and Vikrama Saṃvat, Discerning Original Significance". Social Science Baha. Himal Books. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024.
- ^ Michael, Bernardo A. (2014-10-01). Statemaking and Territory in South Asia: Lessons from the Anglo–Gorkha War (1814–1816). Anthem Press. ISBN 978-1-78308-322-0.
- ^ a b c Shrestha, Bal G. (July 2015). "To Use or Not to Use: Nepal Samvat, the National Era of Nepal". Himalaya. 35 (1). Archived from the original on 29 July 2024.
- ^ Manandhar, Sanjog (14 November 2023). "Newa community marks Nepal Sambat New Year 1144". The Kathmandu Post.
- ^ Gurung, D. B. (2003) Nepal tomorrow: voices & visions. Koselee Prakashan. ISBN 99933-671-0-9, ISBN 978-99933-671-0-9. Page 661.
- ^ Levy, Robert Isaac; Rājopādhyāya, Kedar Rāj; Rajopadhyaya, Kedar Raj (1990). Mesocosm: Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal. University of California Press. p. 403. ISBN 978-0-520-06911-4.
- ^ "नेपाल संवत्लाई सरकारको दस्ताबेजमा लेखिनेछ : प्रधानमन्त्री दाहाल" [Nepal Sambat will be written in government documents: Prime Minister Dahal]. Kantipur (in Nepali). 11 November 2023.