Nepal New Year: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and New Beginnings

Nepal, a country rich in culture, tradition, and vibrant festivities, celebrates its New Year with much fanfare and excitement. Known as Nepali New Year or Bikram Sambat New Year, it marks the beginning of the official calendar year in Nepal. Unlike the Western Gregorian calendar, Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat calendar, which is about 56.7 years ahead. The celebration typically falls around mid-April, offering a fantastic opportunity for travelers to explore Nepal’s rich traditions while experiencing the beauty of the country in spring.

When Is Nepal New Year Celebrated?

Nepali New Year occurs on the first day of Baisakh, which generally falls in mid-April. The exact date varies each year since Nepal uses a lunar-based calendar. In 2025, for example, the Nepali New Year will be celebrated on April 13. This marks the start of a new year in the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, and the entire country joins together in joyous festivities.

What Do People Do During Nepali New Year?

Nepali New Year is a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal. It’s an opportunity for families to come together, honor traditions, and set goals for the year ahead. Here’s what you can expect during this festive time:

  1. Cleaning and Decorating Homes
    Before the celebrations begin, families in Nepal thoroughly clean their homes. This tradition symbolizes a fresh start for the new year. It’s also a time for decorating homes with new clothes, flowers, and bright-colored fabrics to welcome positive energy into the household.

  2. Worship and Prayers
    On the day of the New Year, people attend temples and offer prayers for prosperity, happiness, and good health. Religious ceremonies are held, and people visit temples and shrines to seek blessings from gods and deities. The Newar community, in particular, follows intricate rituals that have been passed down for generations.

  3. Family Gatherings and Feasts
    Nepali New Year is a family-centric event. Relatives gather together to share traditional meals, enjoy festive dishes, and partake in lively conversations. Traditional foods like sel roti (a sweet, ring-shaped rice donut), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and yomari (sweet steamed dumplings) are commonly served during this time.

  4. Traditional Music and Dance
    In cities and rural areas alike, people engage in traditional music and dance. One of the most iconic forms of dance during this period is the Newar dance, performed by the ethnic Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. Dhol (drums), madal (a traditional percussion instrument), and other traditional instruments fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.

  5. New Year Resolutions
    Just like other cultures, Nepali people also make resolutions for the new year. This could involve improving their lifestyle, setting goals for personal and professional growth, or simply making a fresh start. It’s a time for reflection on the past year and optimism for what lies ahead.

  6. Street Celebrations and Fairs
    Major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur hold public festivals, with local fairs, traditional performances, and fireworks lighting up the night skies. The energy is palpable as the entire city gets into the celebratory mood.

Where to Travel During Nepali New Year?

While Nepal is beautiful year-round, Nepali New Year offers a unique chance to experience the local culture, history, and natural beauty at its most vibrant. Whether you're interested in cultural festivities or exploring Nepal’s famous landmarks, here's where you should consider visiting:

  1. Kathmandu – The Heart of the Celebration
    As the capital and largest city in Nepal, Kathmandu is the epicenter of Nepali New Year celebrations. The streets come alive with vibrant parades, traditional music, and bustling markets. The city is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, which are beautiful to visit during this time of year. You can enjoy the festivities while also exploring the city’s rich history.

  2. Bhaktapur – A Step Back in Time
    Just a short drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur offers a more traditional setting to celebrate Nepali New Year. The ancient city, known for its preserved medieval architecture, is full of charm. During the New Year celebrations, Bhaktapur’s cobblestone streets and temples come alive with local music and dance. Don’t miss trying the king curd (juju dhau), a local delicacy, or taking in the views from the Vatsala Temple.

  3. Pokhara – A Scenic Escape
    If you're looking for a mix of nature and culture, Pokhara is a perfect destination. Known for its stunning lakes and mountain views, Pokhara is a great place to unwind and enjoy the festivities. The city is quieter than Kathmandu but still filled with cultural events during the New Year. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hike to Sarangkot for a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

  4. Lumbini – A Spiritual Retreat
    For those looking for a more spiritual experience, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is an excellent choice. During Nepali New Year, the peaceful atmosphere of Lumbini is even more special. Visit the sacred gardens, monasteries, and the Maya Devi Temple, where Buddha was born. It’s a place for reflection and tranquility.

  5. Chitwan National Park – Wildlife Adventure
    If you’re a nature lover, Chitwan National Park offers a perfect getaway. Although the New Year celebrations are more subdued here, you can enjoy jungle safaris, wildlife viewing, and the chance to see the famous one-horned rhinoceros. The park offers an exciting mix of adventure and serenity, with many riverside lodges offering a peaceful retreat.

  6. Trekking in the Himalayas – Embrace the New Year in Nature
    Nepal is world-renowned for its trekking routes, and what better way to celebrate the new year than by heading into the majestic Himalayas? The Annapurna and Everest regions offer some of the best trekking experiences in the world, from the Annapurna Base Camp trek to the famous Everest Base Camp trek. Trekking during this time means you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking views while avoiding the summer crowds.

Conclusion: Embrace the New Year in Nepal

Nepali New Year is a time to celebrate, reflect, and start anew. Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, natural beauty, or an adventurous escape, Nepal offers something for everyone. The warmth of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination to ring in the New Year.

So, if you're planning to visit Nepal around mid-April, make sure to embrace the Nepali New Year celebrations. Immerse yourself in the local traditions, savor the delicious food, and join in the joyous festivities while exploring some of Nepal’s most iconic destinations. Happy Nepali New Year!