Happy New Year 2081 BS! The Bikram Sambat (Vikrami) calendar, a historical Hindu calendar, holds significance in Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. It incorporates lunar months and solar sidereal years, offering a blend of celestial accuracy and cultural tradition.
Legend has it that Bikram Sambat’s adoption in Nepal dates back to King Jayasthiti Malla’s reign in the 14th century. Impressed by its precision, he embraced it as the official calendar. Subsequently, it became deeply ingrained in Nepal’s cultural and religious fabric, utilized by numerous rulers throughout history. Officially, Bikram Sambat was established in Nepal in 1958 BS during Chandra Shumsher’s rule in 1901 CE.
The Vikram Samvat era is traced back to King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, commemorating his victory over the Sakas. Its origins are evident in ancient inscriptions, with the earliest mention of “Vikrama” dating back to 842.
Commencing with the new moon of Chaitra, known as Chaitra Sukhladi, the Hindu New Year in Vikram Samvat calendar adheres to lunar months. To ensure alignment with agricultural and festive seasons, an additional month, “adhik maas,” is inserted roughly every three years.
Bikram Sambat’s lunar basis holds relevance in agriculture, aiding farmers in determining optimal planting and harvesting times. This contrasts with the Gregorian calendar’s solely solar orientation, which overlooks lunar phases and natural cycles.
In essence, Bikram Sambat endures as a symbol of cultural heritage, embodying the harmony between celestial rhythms and earthly pursuits in South Asia.
