Understanding the Nepali Patro
The Nepali Patro (नेपाली पात्रो) is the traditional calendar of Nepal based on the Bikram Sambat (BS) system. Unlike the Gregorian calendar used internationally, the BS calendar is approximately 56 years and 8.5 months ahead. For example, the Gregorian year 2026 corresponds to BS 2082–2083.
The Patro is not just a date-tracking system — it is deeply woven into Nepali culture, governing festivals, religious observances, agricultural cycles, and daily life.
The 12 Months of the BS Calendar
The Bikram Sambat year begins in mid-April with the month of Baisakh and ends with Chaitra in mid-April of the following Gregorian year:
| BS Month | Nepali Name | Approx. Gregorian |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | बैशाख (Baisakh) | Apr–May |
| 2 | जेष्ठ (Jestha) | May–Jun |
| 3 | असार (Asar) | Jun–Jul |
| 4 | श्रावण (Shrawan) | Jul–Aug |
| 5 | भाद्र (Bhadra) | Aug–Sep |
| 6 | अशोज (Ashoj) | Sep–Oct |
| 7 | कार्तिक (Kartik) | Oct–Nov |
| 8 | मङ्सिर (Mangsir) | Nov–Dec |
| 9 | पुष (Poush) | Dec–Jan |
| 10 | माघ (Magh) | Jan–Feb |
| 11 | फाल्गुण (Falgun) | Feb–Mar |
| 12 | चैत्र (Chaitra) | Mar–Apr |
Unlike the Gregorian calendar where every month has a fixed number of days, BS months vary between 29 and 32 days, and the pattern changes each year.
What are Tithis?
A tithi (तिथि) is a lunar day in the Hindu calendar system. Each lunar month has 30 tithis divided into two halves:
- Shukla Paksha (शुक्ल पक्ष) — the bright fortnight from new moon to full moon (15 tithis: Pratipada through Purnima)
- Krishna Paksha (कृष्ण पक्ष) — the dark fortnight from full moon to new moon (15 tithis: Pratipada through Aunsi)
Tithis are essential for determining auspicious dates for ceremonies, festivals, and religious observances. For example, Dashami (the 10th tithi) of Shukla Paksha in Ashoj is Vijaya Dashami, the most important day of Dashain.
Major Festivals in the Nepali Patro
#### Dashain (दशैं) The longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal, spanning 15 days in Ashoj (September–October). Key days include: - Ghatasthapana — Day 1: Planting sacred jamara - Fulpati — Day 7: Bringing sacred flowers - Maha Ashtami — Day 8: Worship of Durga - Maha Navami — Day 9: Grand offerings - Vijaya Dashami — Day 10: Receiving tika and blessings
#### Tihar (तिहार) The festival of lights in Kartik (October–November), celebrated over 5 days: - Kaag Tihar — Worship of crows - Kukur Tihar — Worship of dogs - Laxmi Puja / Gai Tihar — Worship of Goddess Laxmi and cows - Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja — Newari New Year - Bhai Tika — Sisters bless brothers
#### Other Major Festivals - Teej (Bhadra) — Women's festival of fasting and prayer - Maha Shivaratri (Falgun) — Great night of Lord Shiva - Holi / Fagu Purnima (Falgun) — Festival of colors - Buddha Jayanti (Jestha) — Birth of Lord Buddha - Chhath Parva (Kartik) — Sun worship festival
How to Read the Nepali Patro
When reading a traditional Nepali Patro, you'll find:
1. BS Date — The primary date in Bikram Sambat 2. Corresponding AD Date — The Gregorian equivalent 3. Tithi — The lunar day (Shukla or Krishna Paksha) 4. Nakshatra — The lunar mansion 5. Festivals & Holidays — Color-coded by type (national, religious, cultural) 6. Day of the Week — In both English and Nepali
Using Our Digital Nepali Patro
Our Nepali Patro tool provides a modern, interactive calendar experience:
- Browse any BS month from 2070 to 2090
- See tithis for every day
- View color-coded festivals and holidays
- Click any date for detailed information
- Switch between English and Nepali labels
- Works beautifully on mobile and desktop
You can also use our Date Converter to quickly convert between BS and AD dates.