KATHMANDU, Oct 26: Nepal Sambat 1143 is being celebrated today by organizing various programs across the country.
Nepal Sambat is celebrated as New Year by the Newar community. National luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa initiated the Nepal Sambat in 937 BS (880 AD) by freeing the poor people from debts.
Since the establishment of democracy in 2007 BS, a campaign has been launched for the national recognition of Nepal Sambat. Nepal Sambat as New Year is specially celebrated in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Gokarneshwar, Tokha, Sankhu, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bahrbise, Dolakha Bhimeshwar and other places where there is a majority of the Newar community.