History, months, cultural significance, and accurate BS to AD conversion — all in one place
Bikram Sambat (Vikram Samvat) is a traditional lunisolar calendar officially used in Nepal. It is also the national calendar of Nepal, guiding religious festivals, agricultural seasons, and government holidays. The calendar is approximately 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar (AD). For instance, the Nepali year 2081 BS corresponds to 2024–2025 AD. Established by the legendary Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain, the Bikram Sambat remains a living cultural heritage.
Unlike the purely solar Gregorian calendar, Bikram Sambat combines lunar months with solar sidereal years, making it intimately connected with Hindu festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Teej. In Nepal, every official document, Patro (almanac), and major event follows this ancient system.
The Bikram Sambat calendar traces its roots back to 57 BCE, when the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain defeated the Sakas and established a new era to commemorate his victory. The name "Vikram Samvat" directly translates to "Vikram's Era". Over centuries, this calendar spread across the Indian subcontinent, but Nepal preserved it as the official state calendar, embedding it into daily life. Today, the Nepali Patro (calendar) marks Baishakh 1 as the Nepali New Year, a vibrant national celebration.
The lunisolar design means months begin with the new moon (or full moon in some traditions), but Nepal follows the Purnimanta system in certain contexts. The calendar governs everything from Dashain and Tihar dates to sacred rituals and harvest cycles.
The Bikram Sambat year consists of 12 months, with day counts varying each year due to the lunisolar adjustment. Below are the standard Nepali month names with approximate Gregorian correspondence and typical day ranges.
💡 Days vary because the Bikram Sambat calendar is lunisolar — an extra month (Adhik Maas) is added every 3 years to align seasons.
| Parameter | Bikram Sambat (BS) | Gregorian Calendar (AD) |
|---|---|---|
| Year offset | ~56.7 years ahead | Behind BS |
| New Year | Baishakh 1 (mid-April) | January 1 |
| Calendar type | Lunisolar (moon & sun) | Solar |
| Usage region | Nepal (official), parts of India | Worldwide standard |
| Festivals | Dashain, Tihar based on BS | Fixed dates (Christmas, etc.) |
Because of the offset, converting between BS and AD requires precise algorithms based on astronomical data. That's why we built a dedicated BS to AD Converter — accurate, fast, and free to use.
Use our official BS to AD Date Converter — instant, reliable, and built with Nepali calendar accuracy.
🚀 Go to BS/AD Converter →Convert any Bikram Sambat date to Gregorian (AD) with one click.
Nepal is the only country that still upholds Bikram Sambat as its official calendar for administrative and cultural purposes. From the Nepali Patro (almanac) to fixing Dashain and Tihar dates, the BS calendar aligns with astrological constellations. Major festivals like Bisket Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and Indra Jatra fall on specific BS dates. Moreover, agricultural practices — planting rice, harvesting — rely on the BS seasonal cues. Baishakh 1, the Nepali New Year, is celebrated with family feasts, processions, and traditional Mela (fairs).
The continued use of Vikram Samvat represents national identity, pride, and resistance to colonial calendar imposition. Even modern media, newspapers, and government letters always include BS dates alongside AD.
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Bikram Sambat (BS) is a lunisolar calendar officially used in Nepal, established by Emperor Vikramaditya. It is approximately 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar (AD).
Nepali months vary from 29 to 32 days. For example, Baishakh has 30–31 days, Jestha 31–32 days, and Falgun 29–30 days, depending on the lunisolar cycle.
Bikram Sambat is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture, tradition, and astrology. It determines festivals like Dashain and Tihar, agricultural cycles, and official holidays, preserving national identity.
Use our free BS to AD Converter for precise results based on official Nepali calendar data. Simply enter the BS year, month, and day to get the equivalent Gregorian date.