The Nepali calendar, known as Bikram Sambat (B.S.), is more than just a way to mark dates—it's a cultural institution that governs religious festivals, agricultural cycles, and daily life in Nepal. This comprehensive guide explores the history, structure, and significance of this unique calendar system.
Origins of Bikram Sambat
The Bikram Sambat calendar was established by Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 57 BCE, though it wasn't adopted in Nepal until the reign of King Rana Bahadur Shah in the 19th century. The calendar begins with the legendary victory of Vikramaditya over the Sakas, marking year 1 of the era.
Did You Know?
Nepal is one of the few countries that officially uses a different calendar system than the Gregorian calendar for administrative and cultural purposes.
Structure of the Nepali Calendar
The Bikram Sambat calendar is a lunisolar system that combines lunar months with solar sidereal years:
- 12 Months: Each month begins with the new moon and lasts 29-32 days
- 365 Days: Like the solar year, but months are adjusted to match lunar cycles
- Leap Months: An extra month (Adhik Mas) is added every 3 years to align with solar cycles
Nepali Months and Their Gregorian Equivalents
| Nepali Month |
Starts (Gregorian) |
Days |
Significance |
| Baishakh |
Mid-April |
30/31 |
New Year, planting season |
| Jestha |
Mid-May |
31/32 |
Pre-monsoon heat |
| Ashad |
Mid-June |
31/32 |
Monsoon begins |
| Shrawan |
Mid-July |
31/32 |
Main monsoon month |
| Bhadra |
Mid-August |
31/32 |
Festival preparations |
| Ashwin |
Mid-September |
30/31 |
Major festival season |
| Kartik |
Mid-October |
29/30 |
Harvest festivals |
| Mangsir |
Mid-November |
29/30 |
Winter begins |
| Poush |
Mid-December |
29/30 |
Shortest days |
| Magh |
Mid-January |
29/30 |
Winter festivals |
| Falgun |
Mid-February |
29/30 |
Spring begins |
| Chaitra |
Mid-March |
30/31 |
Year-end festivals |
Bikram Sambat vs Gregorian Calendar
Bikram Sambat
- Lunisolar system
- Year begins mid-April
- 57 years ahead of Gregorian
- Months based on lunar cycles
- Variable month lengths
- Used for cultural/religious events
Gregorian
- Solar system
- Year begins January 1
- International standard
- Fixed month lengths
- 12 equal months
- Used for business/international
Cultural Significance
The Nepali calendar is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious life:
Festivals and Holidays
All major Nepali festivals are determined by the Bikram Sambat calendar:
- Dashain: Celebrated in Ashwin (September-October)
- Tihar: Celebrated in Kartik (October-November)
- Holi: Celebrated in Falgun (February-March)
- New Year: Baishakh 1 (mid-April)
Agricultural Cycles
Traditional farming practices follow the Nepali calendar:
- Baishakh-Jestha: Rice planting preparation
- Ashad-Shrawan: Main planting season
- Bhadra-Ashwin: Crop growth and maintenance
- Kartik-Mangsir: Harvest season
Practical Usage in Modern Nepal
While the Gregorian calendar is used for international business, Bikram Sambat remains important for:
- Government documents and official records
- Determining religious and cultural events
- Newspaper publication dates
- Historical references
- Personal events like birthdays and anniversaries
Conversion Tip:
To convert B.S. to Gregorian, subtract 57 years (for 2000s) or 56 years (for dates before April). But use our Date Converter tool for accurate conversions that account for month differences.
Conclusion
The Bikram Sambat calendar is more than a timekeeping system—it's a living cultural artifact that connects modern Nepalis to their history and traditions. Understanding this calendar provides deeper insight into Nepal's cultural rhythms and helps visitors better appreciate the timing of festivals and seasonal activities.