Did you know Nepal is living in the year 2081?

As the globe navigates through the twenty-first century, Nepal stands out as a unique example of human cultural diversity, not just via its diverse traditions and landscapes, but also through its particular approach to timekeeping.

While majority of the world is navigating the year 2024, Nepal is living in 2081. This remarkable mismatch stems from the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, a lunar-solar system that combines ancient wisdom with modern existence.

What is the Bikram Sambat calendar?

The Bikram Sambat calendar, named after its founder, King Vikramaditya, started in 57 BCE. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which begins in the purported year of Christ’s birth, the Bikram Sambat calendar is around 56.7 years ahead. This means that, while your calendar may show 2024, a Nepalese calendar proudly displays 2081.

The Bikram Sambat system’s brilliance is due to its lunisolar character. It connects the lunar months with the solar year, creating a calendar that is both scientifically intriguing and culturally significant. Every year, festivals and agricultural cycles are timed to correspond with lunar phases, ensuring that historic traditions are preserved and relevant.

Understanding the calculation

Converting a Gregorian year to a Bikram Sambat year is relatively simple: just add approximately 56 or 57 years. For example, 2024 CE becomes 2081 BS. This slight variance happens because the Bikram Sambat calendar occasionally adjusts by adding an extra month approximately every three years to keep the lunar and solar years in sync. This intercalary month, known as “Adhik Maas,” ensures that festivals and seasonal activities occur at the appropriate times.

A nation embracing its unique timeline

In Nepal, the Bikram Sambat calendar is more than just a tool to keep track of time; it is an integral part of daily life. The Bikram Sambat calendar is ubiquitous, appearing on official documents, public holidays, school schedules, and market days. Nepalese youngsters grow raised learning to use both the Bikram Sambat and Gregorian systems, demonstrating the country’s versatility and cultural variety.

However, the Gregorian calendar serves a purpose, particularly in commerce, foreign travel, and technology. This dual-calendar system represents Nepal’s distinctive blend of tradition and modernity. It’s a place where you can celebrate the New Year twice: first in January and again in mid-April, when the Bikram Sambat New Year begins.

What is the cultural significance?

Living in 2081 provides Nepal with a distinct identity on the global stage. It symbolizes a deep connection to history and heritage, reflecting a society that honours its past while progressing into the future. The calendar is not just about dates; it’s about identity, continuity, and the rhythm of life.

Imagine walking through the ancient streets of Kathmandu or the serene trails of the Himalayas, knowing that the time around you is measured by a system that has been in place for over two millennia. It’s a journey through time, where every day is a reminder of Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry and its enduring legacy.

Embracing the future

As Nepal strides confidently into 2081, it does so with a foot in both the past and the present. The Bikram Sambat calendar is a living tradition that continues to thrive alongside the Gregorian calendar, reflecting Nepal’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing the future.

So, the next time you glance at your calendar and see 2024, remember that in the heart of the Himalayas, it’s already 2081—a vivid reminder that time is as diverse as the cultures that celebrate it. In Nepal, the future is now, and it’s a fascinating place to be.