KATHMANDU: Nepal welcomed the New Year 2082 BS on Monday, marked by festive celebrations, religious rituals, and renewed hopes for the year ahead.

Baishakh 1, the first day of the Bikram Sambat calendar, is celebrated nationwide as the official start of the Nepali New Year.

The day holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning, with people visiting temples, spending time with family, and engaging in traditional practices.

According to the solar calendar, the New Year begins on Baishakh 1, while the lunar calendar observes the start of the year on the first day of Chaitra’s bright fortnight.

Rooted in the Hindu Panchanga, the Bikram Sambat calendar remains a key timekeeping system in Nepal.

The occasion is filled with well-wishing and joy, as people greet one another and reflect on the past year. The final evening of the old year is often spent in celebration with friends and family, creating a joyful transition into the New Year.

Many take the opportunity to visit religious sites, offer prayers, and set personal resolutions—aiming to leave behind past shortcomings and embrace the year ahead with fresh energy and determination.