The Nepali calendar, also known as Bikram Sambat (BS), is widely used in Nepal for official, cultural, and religious purposes. If you are learning the Nepali language, traveling to Nepal, or studying Nepali culture, knowing the 12 month names in Nepali to English is very useful. The Nepali calendar months donโt exactly match the Gregorian (English) calendar months, but they overlap with them.
In this blog, you will find the Nepali months with their English equivalents, meanings, and pronunciations to make learning simple and practical.
1. List of 12 Month Names in Nepali to English
Here is a quick reference table:
| Nepali Month (เคจเฅเคชเคพเคฒเฅ เคฎเคนเคฟเคจเคพ) | Pronunciation | English Equivalent (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| เคฌเฅเคถเคพเค (Baishakh) | Bai-shaakh | April โ May |
| เคเฅเค (Jestha) | Jais-tha | May โ June |
| เค เคธเคพเคฐ (Ashadh) | A-saar | June โ July |
| เคธเคพเคเคจ (Shrawan) | Shaa-wan | July โ August |
| เคญเคฆเฅ (Bhadra) | Bha-dau | August โ September |
| เค เคธเฅเค (Ashwin) | A-soj | September โ October |
| เคเคพเคฐเฅเคคเคฟเค (Kartik) | Kar-tik | October โ November |
| เคฎเคเคธเคฟเคฐ (Mangsir) | Mang-sir | November โ December |
| เคชเฅเคท (Poush) | Poush | December โ January |
| เคฎเคพเค (Magh) | Maagh | January โ February |
| เคซเคพเคเฅเคจ (Falgun) | Faal-gun | February โ March |
| เคเฅเคคเฅเคฐ (Chaitra) | Chai-tra | March โ April |
2. Detailed Explanation of Each Month
1. เคฌเฅเคถเคพเค (Baishakh) โ April/May
- The first month of the Nepali calendar.
- Important because the Nepali New Year falls in Baishakh.
- Farmers begin agricultural activities.
2. เคเฅเค (Jestha) โ May/June
- Hot season in Nepal.
- Known for long sunny days.
3. เค เคธเคพเคฐ (Ashadh) โ June/July
- Start of the monsoon season.
- Famous for National Paddy Plantation Day (Asar 15).
4. เคธเคพเคเคจ (Shrawan) โ July/August
- A religious month dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Devotees fast and visit temples.
5. เคญเคฆเฅ (Bhadra) โ August/September
- Known for many Hindu festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami and Teej.
6. เค เคธเฅเค (Ashwin) โ September/October
- The month of Dashain, Nepalโs biggest festival.
- Weather starts to cool down.
7. เคเคพเคฐเฅเคคเคฟเค (Kartik) โ October/November
- The month of Tihar (Deepawali), the festival of lights.
- Considered an auspicious month for weddings.
8. เคฎเคเคธเคฟเคฐ (Mangsir) โ November/December
- Winter begins.
- A popular month for traditional weddings.
9. เคชเฅเคท (Poush) โ December/January
- Coldest month in Nepal.
- Days are short, and farmers take a break.
10. เคฎเคพเค (Magh) โ January/February
- Known for the festival of Maghe Sankranti.
- People enjoy warm traditional foods like sesame and molasses.
11. เคซเคพเคเฅเคจ (Falgun) โ February/March
- Month of Holi, the festival of colors.
- Marks the beginning of spring.
12. เคเฅเคคเฅเคฐ (Chaitra) โ March/April
- Last month of the Nepali year.
- Celebrated with Ghode Jatra (Horse Festival) in Kathmandu.
3. Comparison Between Nepali Calendar & English Calendar
- Nepali Calendar (Bikram Sambat) is about 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
- The year starts in Baishakh (mid-April), unlike the English calendar that starts in January.
- Each Nepali month doesnโt perfectly match English months; instead, they overlap.
For example:
- Baishakh โ AprilโMay
- Kartik โ OctoberโNovember
4. Why Learning Nepali Months is Useful
- For Students: Helps in academic references and exams.
- For Travelers: Important for understanding local holidays, events, and festivals.
- For Cultural Learners: Deepens knowledge about Nepali traditions, rituals, and festivals.
Conclusion
Learning the 12 month names in Nepali to English makes it easier to understand Nepalโs unique calendar system, festivals, and daily life. From Baishakh (April/May) to Chaitra (March/April), each month carries cultural, religious, and seasonal significance.
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