Nepali New Year, also known as "Navavarsha," is celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor across Nepal. It typically falls in mid-April and marks the beginning of the solar Hindu calendar. This celebration corresponds to the first day of Baisakh, the first month of the calendar. Navavarsha is not just a time for festive activities, but also a symbol of renewal, inner reflection, and the commencement of new endeavors.
To celebrate, our Nepalese student group will be hosting the following festivities:
- Quiz about Nepal and its culture
- Games
- Serving traditional Nepalese food: vegetarian and meat momos (a type of dumpling)
- Dance and music: please wear traditional Nepalese clothing if you can
We invite students from all cultures to immerse themselves in the experience of Nepali New Year at our event.
Nepali New Year
Traditional Festivities: The celebrations are rich with cultural traditions. Typical festivities include:
- Mha Puja: A ritual self-worship that is part of New Year's celebrations among the Newar community, emphasizing the purification and empowerment of one's soul.
- Bisket Jatra: An exuberant street festival held in Bhaktapur and other towns, which involves chariot processions, tug-of-wars, and other communal activities.
- Community Gatherings: Families and friends get together to share festive meals and exchange gifts. Traditional foods like 'Bara', 'Sel Roti', and 'Achar' are commonly enjoyed.
- Cultural Programs: Local dances, music performances, and plays depicting the history and mythology of Nepal are held. These programs are designed to promote the diverse cultural heritage of the country.
Spiritual Significance: Navavarsha is also a time for spiritual reflection. Many Nepalese visit temples to pray for prosperity and attend various traditional ceremonies. It's a day to cleanse the past year's troubles and embrace the future's potential with optimism and hope.
Why We Celebrate: For the Nepali diaspora, celebrating Navavarsha abroad is a poignant reminder of home and heritage. It serves as a vibrant expression of cultural identity and continuity. By sharing this celebration, Nepali students provide a window into their rich cultural tapestry, fostering a broader appreciation and respect for their traditions among the university community.