Kathmandu: On the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1145, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli extended his respect to Shankhadhar Sakhwa, the National Luminary who founded Nepal Sambat. In a Facebook post marking the New Year, Oli paid tribute to Sakhwa and highlighted the significance of Mha Puja, a Newar festival observed on this day, which promotes self-respect and pride within the Newar community. He conveyed best wishes to Nepalis at home and abroad, emphasizing the unique cultural value of both Nepal Sambat and Mha Puja.

Speaking at a celebration in Mangalbazaar, Patan, Oli emphasized that Nepal Sambat is a distinctly Nepali calendar, rooted in the Nepal Mandal culture. "The culture of Nepal Mandal is the original culture of the world, and this Sambat that began after debt repayment is our own original Sambat," he stated, highlighting the global importance of the Newar civilization. Despite his limited Newari language skills, Oli expressed pride in his ties to the Newar community, noting his marriage into a Newari family.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the government is considering integrating Nepal Bhasa as an optional subject in secondary school curricula, responding to growing demands for mother tongue education. Member of Parliament Prem Bahadur Maharjan advocated for Nepal Bhasa's inclusion as an optional school subject, while Bagmati Province's Minister for Labor and Employment, Prem Bhakta Maharjan, called for coordinated efforts across government levels to promote Nepal Bhasa as an official language.

The celebrations reflect a renewed emphasis on preserving Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage, with government leaders voicing strong support for the protection of the country's languages and traditions.