In Nepal as in all countries, New Year is celebrated in different ways. The Nepalese Year falls in mid-April. This solar calendar was started by King Bikramditya. This New Year 2063 of the Bikram Sambat corresponds to the year 2006-2007. New Year's Day, which this year falls on April 14, 2006, is an official holiday in Nepal. On this day, Nepalis visit the Pashupatinath temple to take a bath in the holy Bagmati River. Pilgrims also visit other religious spots and spend the day picknicking. It is a day to seek blessings from the family priest and one's elders as well. In Nepal the Vikram-Sambat calendar is observed. Nepalese people hope that the New Year will bring joy and happiness to their lives.

On New Years Day, they wear new clothes and get good food to eat and participate in illuminated bustling meals (fairs) to celebrate the New Year. People visit different shrines to start a new life from that day and vow not to repeat their bad karma. People go for picnics and outdoor sports too. Sometimes they gather in one place to celebrate the New Year.

Nepalis and Friends Cultural Association (NAFCA) celebrated Nepali New Year 2063 Bikram Sambat on April 8, 2006 at Davis Community Church. There were many activities and Nepali cultural dances by our local talented artists and children. There were outdoor games, indoor games, raffle games, prize distribution, authentic delicious Nepali dinner catered from a well-known Restaurant - Kathmandu Kitchen, and a presentation of special recognition Certificates. The New Year's event ended with families taking many group photos in their traditional costumes, followed by DJ dancing.

There were 134 paid adult participants and the total head count was over 200. This crowd was the biggest one we have seen in our program thus far.

See below for the Best Traditional Costume winners; a list of local talented Artists who participated in the New Year's Cultural Program; and a list of people who Donated items for the new years event.