Happy New Year!

 Yes, here in Nepal, April 14, 2013, was New Year's Day!

Nepal follows the ancient lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, which is 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.  The new year is marked by family gatherings and the exchange of good wishes.

 

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This calendar is also used in some parts of India and a few other places in Asia as well.  It has 12 months and each one goes from the Gregorian mid-month to the next mid-month.  However, the months are not predetermined and change from year to year with slight variations of 29-32 days based on ancient Hindu tradition as well as lunar cycles.  (One example is that last year New Year's Day was April 13.)

Here in Banepa, Kavre District, Nepal,

 (Do you see the hospital there on the right?)

17 miles East of Kathmandu, in the foothills of the Himalayas, 

 

  we thank the Lord for His blessings during the past year and thank Him in advance for continued blessings during the new year.  

 Our goal of providing excellent health care to all our patients during this and every year continues to be our passion.

We also extend to you dear reader, our heartfelt wishes for new hopes and new opportunities in either your new year or your mid-year--whichever calendar you follow!

Bye for now!