Kathmandu. The New Year 2026 of the Christian era has begun today in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII and calculated from the birth of Jesus Christ, is widely followed across the world.

People who observe the Gregorian calendar marked the New Year by exchanging greetings and good wishes. The calendar is based solely on the solar cycle, a feature that has drawn criticism from some scholars. Calendar expert Dr Shastradatta Pant said that the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, which has been in use since the Vedic period and coordinates both solar and lunar months, is more scientific in comparison. However, he noted that despite such debates, the Gregorian calendar has gained global acceptance.

Dr Pant explained that a solar year consists of approximately 365 days, 6 hours, 49 minutes and 6 seconds. Since smaller units of time affect long-term calculations, adjustments are necessary. In the Bikram Sambat system, an extra month is added periodically to maintain balance, while the Gregorian calendar uses a leap year system, although discussions on further reforms have continued in Western countries.

In recent years, the trend of celebrating the English New Year has been increasing in Nepal as well. To welcome 2026, various programs have been organized in tourist hubs such as Thamel and Bouddha in Kathmandu, as well as in Pokhara and Sauraha, where large numbers of foreign visitors are present.

Celebrations Abroad
New Zealand was among the first countries to welcome the New Year. At midnight, around 3,500 fireworks were set off from Auckland’s 240-metre-high Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country. Japan, China and Singapore celebrated with fireworks, while a large bell was rung in South Korea to mark the beginning of 2026.

In Australia, thousands gathered at Sydney Harbour to witness the traditional fireworks display, while a seven-minute fireworks show lit up the Melbourne skyline. In India, hundreds of people assembled at India Gate in New Delhi to celebrate the New Year, while celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir took place amid snowfall.

National Costume and Hat Day
Meanwhile, the 13th National Costume and Hat Day is being observed today across the country with various programs organized by youth groups. Celebrated under the slogan “Nepali Hat: Our Identity,” the day aims to promote traditional attire such as daura suruwal, topi and gunyu choli among the younger generation.

Observed annually on January 1 since 2070 BS, National Costume and Hat Day has contributed to the revival and promotion of traditional Nepali dress. On the occasion, many people are sharing photographs of themselves in national attire on social media, while special programs are being held at various locations in the capital.