The Nepal Sambat New Year 1139 is being celebrated across the country on Thursday amidst various programmes.

People from Newar community organised rallies—known as Bhintuna rally—in various parts of the country to mark the New Year's Day of Nepal Sambat.

It is believed the Nepal Sambat or calendar year was started by Shankhadhar Sakhwa by relieving the people of Nepal off debt during the rule of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev in 880 AD.

Recognising the contribution of Shankhadhar Sakhwa to the country and people, the government led by then Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had announced Sakhwa a national luminary on November 18, 1999.

Likewise, the Council of Ministers chaired by first Prime Minister of Republic of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal had on October 23, 2008 nationally recognized the Nepal Sambat propounded by national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa.

President Bhandari extends greetings on Nepal Sambat

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended greetings to all Nepali brothers and sisters in the country and abroad on the occasion of the Nepal Sambat 1139.

The Head of the State wished peace, prosperity and happiness on this occasion.

Nepal Sambat is the original calendar of Nepal bearing the social, cultural and historical importance, she said, adding that the Nepal Sambat (New Year) would help foster fraternity, social unity and coexistence among all Nepali.

The President also wished for national unity and prosperity on this occasion.

Vice-President's greetings on Tihar and Nepal Sambat

Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun has extended best wishes to all Nepalis living in and outside the country on the occasion of Tihar and Nepal Sambat 1139.

In the message today, Vice-President wished that may this occasion bring peace, happiness, prosperity, progress and good health to all Nepalis brothers and sisters.

"Different types of cultures have made our country rich as well as have made national unity strong", reads the message.

Expressing belief that the festivals like Tihar and Nepal Sambat would further strengthen mutual harmony, brotherhood and unity would among all Nepalis, Vice-President Pun wished that such festivals would inspire people to fulfill their wish "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali".