Nepal Sambat 1147 and Mha Puja Being Observed Across Nepal

Nepal Sambat 1147 is being observed across Nepal today with various programs, as the Newar community marks its traditional New Year and performs Mha Puja, a ritual dedicated to the worship of the self.

Nepal Sambat, regarded as Nepal’s indigenous calendar, is celebrated particularly in areas with large Newar communities, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bahrabise and Bhimeshwar in Dolakha.

The calendar is historically associated with national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa, who is credited with freeing poor people from debt and initiating Nepal Sambat in 880 AD.

On the occasion, members of the Newar community also perform Mha Puja, or self-worship, reflecting the belief that the human soul holds great importance and should be honoured.

This year, the lunar Pratipada falls on two consecutive days, leading to differences in the timing of celebrations. While some communities marked the Nepal Sambat New Year on Monday, others are observing Mha Puja today.