KATHMANDU: The world welcomes the year 2025 today, marking the start of a new chapter according to the Gregorian calendar.
This calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII to replace the Julian calendar established by Julius Caesar, has become the most widely used system globally despite its controversial beginnings.
Historical records, including insights from astrologer and former administrator Dr. Khilanath Bastakoti, note that Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar 200 years after its introduction due to widespread disputes.
The Gregorian calendar is rooted in the era following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, symbolizing the beginning of the Anno Domini (AD) period.
Though it is not an official calendar in Nepal, it is widely recognized and celebrated, especially in areas frequented by international tourists. Key destinations like Thamel, Boudha, Pokhara, Sauraha, and Lumbini come alive with festivities, hosting vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations.
On the eve of 2025, Kathmandu’s iconic spots, including Thamel, Boudha, Swayambhu, and New Road, were excited. Revelers gathered to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 with music, dance, and joyous exchanges of greetings.
Across the globe, similar celebrations are taking place, with people embracing the new year through cultural programs, concerts, and heartfelt messages.
In Nepal, the New Year is increasingly observed through events highlighting unity and festivity. Musical performances, cultural showcases, and exchanging good wishes mark the day.
World leaders have also shared New Year greetings, expressing aspirations for peace, prosperity, and harmony in the coming year.
As we step into 2025, let us celebrate the promise of a brighter future. Happy New Year!
How is the New Year being celebrated around the world? Let’s look at the pictures!
A light show is projected on the Arc de Triomphe as fireworks explode during New Year celebrations on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)A light show is projected on the Arc de Triomphe as fireworks explode during New Year celebrations on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)Megan Moroney performs during the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)CORRECTS HOST’S NAME TO KELLY SUTTON FROM RACHEL SMITH – Host Kelly Sutton, left and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell are joined on stage by Aer Lingus flight attendants during Nashville’s Big Bash New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)Megan Moroney performs during the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)People watch Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s message a few minutes prior to the New Year at the Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Russia, late Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)Pope Francis presides over New Year’s Eve Vespers and Te Deum celebrations, in St.Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pakistani Christians attend a prayer service on the first day of the New Year at Cathedral Church of the Resurrection in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)A man dressed as Ded Moroz (Santa Claus, or Father Frost) and other people celebrate the New Year’s Day outside Red Square with the Spasskaya Tower and the St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.(AP Photo)A performer poses with a Panda mascot before a count down event held in Beijing, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)Fireworks illuminate the sky over Victoria Harbour in celebration of the new year in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)Fireworks explode in the sky in celebration of the New Year in Vladivostok, Russia, Dec. 31, 2024. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)A drone light show is pictured in celebration of the new year in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)Fireworks explode in celebrate of the new year in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)People gather to celebrate the new year in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)Fireworks explode over Kallang Basin to celebrate the New Year in Singapore, on Jan. 1, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)Fireworks explode to celebrate the New Year in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)Fireworks explode to celebrate the New Year over Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City, the Philippines, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)A woman poses for photos with New Year decorations in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)People walk under New Year decorations in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
