Nepal Sambat, a unique calendar which is named after the country is based on lunar calendar is believed to have started during 880 AD when Shankhadhar Shakhwa, a local merchant from Kathmandu, paid off the debts of common people on his own, thus emancipating thousands of people from serfdom.[break]
The Nepal Sambat calendar was in use for 888 years and it was banned at the state level in 1960 Bikram Sambat year.
Different efforts were made to reinstate the Nepal Sambat since the establishment of democracy in 2007 BS.
The government declared Shankhadhar Sakhwa who propounded the Nepal Sambat calendar and made notable contribution to society and the nation as national luminary in 2055 BS.
Former prime minister and Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government had given recognition to the Nepal Sambat as the national calendar in 2064 BS.
President extends new year wishes
Preisdent Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has extended hearty best wishes for happiness, peace and perosperity to Nepali sisters and brothers on the happy occasion of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1131.
In a message on the occasion, President Yadav expressed the belief that the advent of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1131 will bring new enthusiasm and vigour among all Nepalis for promoting feelings of cultural and social unity, and goodwill.
Nepal Sambat our identity: PM Nepal
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has extended best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1131.
In a message of greetings, the prime minister has said the Nepal Sambat is related to Nepali tradition and the distinct Nepali identity since it is the original calendar of the Nepali people.
The Nepal Sambat calander considered to be started by Shankhadhar Sakhwa for freeing the poor people of their debts, stresses on equality in society by eliminating social discriminations and on establishing social harmony, the prime minister said in the message.
NC president extends wishes
President of the Nepali Congress party, Sushil Koirala has felicitated all Nepalis on the occasion of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1131.
In a message of best wishes he gave on the occasion, the Nepali Congress president wished that may the Nepal Sambat New Year become a year of peace, happiness and prosperity for all.
As Nepal is a multi ethnic and multi-cultural country with various festivals, people of different faiths and linguistic and cultural groups have the unique tradition of respecting each other´s language, religion, festivals and culture, Koirala said in the message, adding that this tradition has inspired us all to live in unity and harmony.
Koirala stressed that we should always keep this tradition intact and never allow the tradition of mutual cooperation, goodwill and unity to be weakened.
He said history has given us the responsibility of transformig Nepal into a peaceful, prosperous and happy land and of writing the constitution ourselves by resolving various crises and problems faced by teh country. Koirala called on all to become conscious and sensitive to this historical responsibility.
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