Between fact and fiction

Examples of flawed historical interpretations abound in our everyday affairs.

Like every year, this year’s Mha Puja too saw politicians of all varieties praising the legendary merchant Shankhadhar Sakhwa on the occasion of the new Nepal Sambat year 1142. The tokenism cannot be missed; Nepal Sambat (NS) is hailed as another example of our unique culture on this day, but is forgotten for the rest of the year except by heritage enthusiasts. Whether to adopt the calendar instead of the concurrent Vikram Sambat is another issue altogether; to me, it is the person of Sakhwa, and his association with indigenous Newar identity, that is more fascinating.