Guide to Nepali Calendar Months
The Nepali calendar consists of twelve unique months, each with its own cultural significance, festivals, and seasonal characteristics. These months are closely tied to Nepal's agricultural cycles and religious observances.
1. Baisakh (बैशाख)
Key Information
- Days: 31/32 days
- Season: Spring/Early Summer
- Temperature: 20-35°C (68-95°F)
Significance
Baisakh marks the beginning of the Nepali New Year. It's a time of new beginnings, harvest celebrations, and the start of the agricultural calendar.
Seasonal Activities
- Wheat harvesting
- Preparation for rice planting
- New Year celebrations
2. Jestha (जेठ)
Key Information
- Days: 31/32 days
- Season: Summer
- Temperature: 25-38°C (77-100°F)
Significance
Jestha is known for its intense heat and pre-monsoon preparations. It's a crucial month for agricultural planning and preparation for the upcoming rainy season.
Seasonal Activities
- Field preparation for monsoon crops
- Traditional water source cleaning
- Community gatherings for pre-monsoon preparations
3. Ashadh (असार)
Key Information
- Days: 31/32 days
- Season: Monsoon Beginning
- Temperature: 23-35°C (73-95°F)
Significance
Ashadh is the month of rice planting and the beginning of the monsoon season. It's celebrated with various agricultural festivities and marks the start of the main farming season.
Seasonal Activities
- Rice planting
- Monsoon preparations
- Traditional mud festivals
4. Shrawan (श्रावण)
Key Information
- Days: 31/32 days
- Season: Peak Monsoon
- Temperature: 22-32°C (72-90°F)
Significance
Shrawan is the peak monsoon month, characterized by lush greenery and agricultural abundance. It's considered an auspicious time for spiritual practices and agricultural activities.
Seasonal Activities
- Rice field maintenance
- Green vegetable farming
- Traditional rope swinging
5. Bhadra (भाद्र)
Key Information
- Days: 31/32 days
- Season: Late Monsoon
- Temperature: 21-31°C (70-88°F)
Significance
Bhadra represents the transition from monsoon to autumn. The month is important for crop growth and marks the beginning of harvest preparations.
Seasonal Activities
- Crop monitoring
- Early harvest preparations
- Monsoon crop maintenance
6. Ashwin (आश्विन)
Key Information
- Days: 31 days
- Season: Early Autumn
- Temperature: 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Significance
Ashwin is the harvest season, marked by clear skies and moderate temperatures. It's a time of abundance and celebration of the year's agricultural yield.
Seasonal Activities
- Rice harvesting
- Post-monsoon maintenance
- Traditional celebrations
7. Kartik (कार्तिक)
Key Information
- Days: 30/31 days
- Season: Late Autumn
- Temperature: 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Significance
Kartik brings clear, cool weather and marks the end of the harvest season. It's a time of thanksgiving and preparation for the upcoming winter.
Seasonal Activities
- Post-harvest processing
- Winter crop planting
- Traditional oil pressing
8. Mangsir (मंसिर)
Key Information
- Days: 30 days
- Season: Early Winter
- Temperature: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Significance
Mangsir is characterized by decreasing temperatures and the onset of winter. It's a time for winter preparations and the cultivation of winter crops.
Seasonal Activities
- Winter vegetable planting
- Grain storage
- Traditional wool processing
9. Poush (पौष)
Key Information
- Days: 30 days
- Season: Peak Winter
- Temperature: 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Significance
Poush is the coldest month of the year. It's a time for winter celebrations and indoor activities, with focus on preserving warmth and community gatherings.
Seasonal Activities
- Winter crop maintenance
- Traditional food preservation
- Indoor crafts and activities
10. Magh (माघ)
Key Information
- Days: 29/30 days
- Season: Late Winter
- Temperature: 6-22°C (43-72°F)
Significance
Magh represents the gradual transition from winter to spring. It's a time of winter harvests and preparation for the upcoming spring season.
Seasonal Activities
- Winter crop harvesting
- Spring preparation
- Traditional sesame processing
11. Falgun (फाल्गुन)
Key Information
- Days: 29/30 days
- Season: Early Spring
- Temperature: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Significance
Falgun brings the first signs of spring with warmer days and blooming flowers. It's a time of renewal and preparation for the agricultural new year.
Seasonal Activities
- Spring crop planting
- Orchard maintenance
- Color celebrations
12. Chaitra (चैत्र)
Key Information
- Days: 30/31 days
- Season: Spring
- Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Significance
Chaitra is the last month of the Nepali calendar year. It's a time of completion and preparation for the upcoming new year, marked by spring activities and harvest planning.
Seasonal Activities
- Spring harvest
- New year preparations
- Field preparation for summer