Lalitpur – On the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1147, 'Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala: Lalitpur'—in collaboration with Ward No. 16 of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City—is set to organize a series of creative programs. The Newar community has long been organizing various events starting from 'Kachhalathwa Paru' to commemorate the historic day when Shankhadhar Sakhwa—a national luminary and a source of pride for Nepal—freed all citizens from debt and initiated a new calendar era (Sambat). Mahendra Maharjan, President of 'Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala: Lalitpur', stated during a press conference held on Thursday that these programs are being organized to further broaden the significance of this era—now officially recognized as a national calendar—and to foster unity and harmony among all Nepalis. This comes at a time when provisions have been made for the use of the Nepal Bhasa language in official government functions.
Under the leadership of 'Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala: Lalitpur', a celebration committee has been active since last year, collaborating with 21 different ethnic organizations to conduct various programs.
It was also announced at the press conference that, starting from 'Kaulaga Dashami' of Nepal Sambat 1146, a range of activities will be held. These include a chess tournament, the 'Bhintuna Kalbil' (a celebratory announcement/greeting), the publication of a Nepal Bhasa calendar and books on traditional customs (*thiti*), programs focused on temples and heritage sites, as well as cultural activities such as 'Simataya' and 'Na:sancha'. Furthermore, it was noted that the 'Satya Mohan Joshi Nepal Bhasa Literature Award' will be presented as part of the scheduled events.
