Nepali New Year 2083: Why You Should Experience It as a Tourist
Nepal features a wide variety of customs and festivities, which include one of the largest annual celebrations in Nepal called Nepali New Year or the Bikram Sambat New Year. In 2083 BS (Bikram Sambat), cities, countries, and regions will once more come together for this colorful celebration of music, rituals, food, and fun.
Travelers who wish to see and experience the cultural life of Nepal outside of the mountains and trekking trails should take advantage of the opportunity afforded them during Nepali New Year. The festival is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to experience authentic Nepali culture through street parties, traditional ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Whether you find yourself wandering through old cities, celebrating with locals, or attending a festival event, your experience as a tourist on Nepali New Year will be one of the highlights of your trip.
1. Discover the Rich Culture and Tradition of Nepal
Traditionally, Nepali New Year is based on the Bikram Sambat calendar. The Nepali New Year begins the new year according to the conventional lunar calendar used in Hindu culture and is also known as the starting date of the new year in the Hindu lunar calendar.
During this period of time, families go to temples, do puja and pray for good luck. There are many places where tourists can see the spiritual side of Nepal as they feel it first hand. The two main sites that you will find with a high level of religious activity and community prayer at this time are Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Stupa. For visitors coming to Nepal, this is a great opportunity to experience the spiritual practices of the country.
2. Participate in the Colorful Street Parties
Another major highlight of the Nepali New Year is the street parties that take place in city centers throughout Nepal. Thamel (the most popular area for tourists to stay in Kathmandu), and some other areas of the city have many street parties where live music is played, dancing and street performances are provided for visitors.
In Pokhara, the area around the lake is turned into a large open-air festival with open-air concerts, booths with food, and traditional cultural dance performances. With a more laid-back atmosphere and lots of people celebrating together, it's a great place to watch the Nepali New Year arrive.
3. Witness the Famous Bisket Jatra Festival
One of the most exciting ways to celebrate New Year's Day is with Bhaktapur's Bisket Jatra festival. An event that has been celebrated for hundreds of years! Enormous wooden chariots are used to carry the deities Bhairav and Bhadrakali through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur. Thousands of local residents pull these massive chariots as visible signs of joy and celebration, while locals enjoy a variety of ceremonial rituals.
In addition to festivities, the ceremonial raising of a gigantic pole known as Yosin Thanegu also occurs; this pole represents the beginning of the New Year. Travelers who are fortunate to witness Bhaktapur's Bisket Jatra live, will experience a dynamic site brimming with energy, history and tradition.
4. Eat special New Year's food in Nepal
Food is also an important component of the Nepali New Year's celebration, as families prepare and share many traditional food items as part of the annual celebration of the New Year! While visiting Nepal over the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to sample a range of traditional cuisine from all parts of Nepal, including:
- Dal Bhat: The most common base meal in Nepal consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and cooked vegetables (tarkari).
- Sel Roti: Traditional sweet rice (sishni) bread made during festivals.
- Momo: Nepal's signature dumplings filled with veggies or meat.
- Yomari: A sweet dumpling cooked in Newar culture.
In addition to food, restaurants will frequently provide special holiday menus to give visitors to Nepal an opportunity to sample its many different types of food.
5. Visit Nepal's Historic Cities on a Unique "Festival" Atmosphere
During the Nepali New Year Festival, the many ancient cities throughout Nepal (ex: Kathmandu and Patan) will be a great complement to the many decorations and displays of people engaged in traditional festivities and will provide a unique atmosphere to explore Nepal's rich culture and history.
Many of Nepal's historic locations throughout the country will celebrate the holiday with a variety of cultural events such as traditional dances and live music in public areas, but historic places like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square will have many spectacular decorations and celebrations throughout the holiday season.
Heritage sites that are listed by UNESCO are even more appealing during a festival when local residents wear traditional clothing and show their crafts. Locals join together to celebrate the festival and have an amazing cultural experience in contrast to sightseeing that is usual for visiting tourists.
6. Visit During Perfect Spring Weather
The New Year of Nepal falls in mid-April, which is one of the best times of the year to visit Nepal because it offers warm but not too hot, clear skies, and flowering hills.
Tourist can enjoy outdoor activities such as:
- Hikes in and around the Kathmandu Valley.
- Walks by the lake in Pokhara.
- Views of sunrise over Nagarkot.
In the comfortable climate found in April, it is an excellent time to go sightseeing, take photographs, and explore the culture of the area.
7. Connect with Friendly Locals
The unique hospitality enjoyed in Nepal makes it a great place to visit during the New Year. Local people are particularly welcoming at this time of year. Many families use this opportunity to visit relatives, extend greetings, and share meals together.
Visiting during the New Year is an excellent opportunity for travellers to be invited to join local celebrations, sample home-cooked dishes, or take part in cultural customs. These spontaneous experiences give visitors a chance to experience the warmth and generosity of the Nepalese people.
Many of the best memories created while travelling in Nepal will be made during these special moments.
4. Add Adventure to Your Festival Travel
The New Year is one of the busiest trekking times of the year; therefore, another great reason to visit Nepal during the festival is to have the opportunity to combine your experience with adventure! You can spend your time in the cities celebrating and finish your trip by participating in some of the most recognised trekking routes:
Everest Base Camp
Annapurna Circuit
Langtang Valley
This combination of cultural celebration and outdoor adventure makes the New Year an excellent time to visit Nepal.
Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting During Nepali New Year
Things to consider if you are attending Nepali New Year 2083:
- Book hotels and flights as soon as you have the dates now that the demand for travel will only rise.
- Go to the heritage sites as early as possible to avoid being overrun with other tourists.
- When attending a temple and a festival, please be considerate of the people present and their customs.
- Taste the local food and attend cultural activities to gain a richer understanding of culture.
Conclusion
Nepal's New Year 2083 is not just another beginning of the year; it represents the rich culture, community and tradition of Nepal.
From the colorful festivals of Bhaktapur, to the vibrant and boisterous parties in Thamel and the peaceful lakeside parties in Pokhara, there is a memory to be created in every location.
If you wish to experience Nepal outside of the mountains and truly immerse yourself in its culture, do not miss the opportunity to do so while travelling and celebrating Nepali New Year with them.