Nepal, a small yet culturally rich country located in South Asia, has a unique calendar system called Bikram Sambat. This traditional calendar is used in Nepal for various purposes, including religious festivals, cultural events, and administrative tasks. Most of the Nepal’s important festivals are according to this calendar. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of using the Bikram Sambat calendar in Nepal and how it has evolved over the years. We will try to dig the truth behind it’s origin.
Introduction to Bikram Sambat Calendar
Bikramaditya. The calendar is based on the movement of the sun and has 12 months, each with 28-30 days. However, a total of 365 days is measured in the calendar. It further has the format of lunar days in that day. People are dependent for different rituals according to the lunar day. They are usually called ‘Tithies’ and marked just below the date. It complete a total cycle of moon rotating the earth and according to the position of moon each day is marked. So, must of the people use this calendar system it becomes the official calendar of Nepal as 80% of population density is covered by Hindu population.
The Early History of Bikram Sambat Calendar
The origin of the Bikram Sambat calendar can be traced back to the Lichhavi period in Nepal. During this period, the Lichhavi rulers of Nepal introduced a new calendar system based on the lunar cycle. However, this system had some flaws, such as the varying length of the lunar month, which made it difficult to use for administrative purposes. So, they introduced the ‘Bikram Sambat’ calendar. Back then technology was no so advanced so it is difficult to find the actual date.
In 57 BC, during the reign of King Bikramaditya, a new solar calendar system was introduced. Further, this system was based on the movement of the sun and was much more accurate than the lunar calendar. The Bikram Sambat calendar was widely adopted in Nepal and is still in use today.
The Importance of Bikram Sambat Calendar in Nepal
The Bikram Sambat calendar holds significant importance in Nepal. It is used for various religious and cultural festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Nepali New Year. The calendar is also used for administrative purposes, such as official documents, government records, and financial transactions. Further seasons and crop cycle is also determined using this callendar.
It calendar has played a vital role in preserving Nepal’s unique culture and traditions. Moreover, the festivals and events based on it are deeply rooted in Nepali culture and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
Evolution of Bikram Sambat Calendar
Over the years, the Bikram Sambat calendar has evolved, and some changes have been made to improve its accuracy. In 2007, the Nepal Sambat New Year was recognized as a national holiday in Nepal, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Bikram Sambat calendar.
In 2019, a new version of the Bikram Sambat calendar was introduced, called the B.S. 2076 calendar. This new version includes a leap year, making it more accurate than the previous versions. The new calendar system was well received by the Nepali community and is now widely used across the country.
Conclusion
The Bikram Sambat calendar has a rich history and is deeply ingrained in Nepali culture and tradition. It is widely used for religious, cultural, and administrative purposes and has played a vital role in preserving Nepal’s unique identity. The calendar has evolved over the years, and new versions have been introduced to improve its accuracy. The Bikram Sambat calendar remains an integral part of Nepal’s cultural heritage and is a testament to the country’s rich history and traditions.
