In a message issued on the occasion, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said, "Nepal Era is an indigenous calendar year of Nepal and has helped maintain religious tolerance and social goodwill in the country."
Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and General Secretary Prakash Man Singh were among others who participated in the procession.
The government has recently given recognition to the Nepal Era as national era, though much more preparations are required before using it as the official calendar.
Bikram Sambat, the era deriving from Indian King Bikramaditya dating back to two thousand years, is still used as the official calendar in Nepal since 1950s.
Today is also the second day of the three day 'Deepawali' festival.
