Introduction: Hindu New Year
Hindu New Year is celebrated according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar- Panchanga. Hindu New Year is popularly known as Vikram […]
Hindu New Year is celebrated according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar- Panchanga. Hindu New Year is popularly known as Vikram Samvat…
It is celebrated on the first day after the No Moon (Amavasi) in Chaitra Month or Chaitra Shukala Pratipada (March – April).
The Hindi New Year is based on lunar calendar and therefore the date changes every year.
Hindu New year Samvat 2067 will start from 16th March, 2010.
Legend
The story behind the origin of Hindu New Year is related to the legendary Hindu King Vikramaditya who used to rule in 57 BC.
The legend says, once King Gardabhilla, a ruler in 12th century CE seized a nun named Saraswati.
She was the sister of the famous Jain monk Kalakacharya. The feeble monk hunted help of the Saka ruler in Sakasthana to conquer Gardabhilla. He was defeated and enthralled by the Saka King.
Celebrations
India is a secular country. Many religions and cultures are present here; thus various festivals of different religions are being celebrated. Hindu New Year is celebrated with gaiety and pomp throughout India.
Though the vim and vigour of the festival is seen everywhere but it more verve in the people of North India and Gujarat. New Year in Southern India also emphasizes the Hindu New Year but the date and New Year traditions vary.
People light oil lamps. They decorate the house with pink, red, purple or yellow fresh flowers which are considered auspicious colours. Rangoli design is also made on the floor outside the house, it is indeed very attractive part of New Year decorations.
People get up early in the morning, take bath and wear new clothes. The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and lord Ganesha are brought home and people welcome them by singing songs in their praise. Prayers are offered to the deities and prasad is distributed among all the family members and neighbours. People exchange gifts and sweets with each other on this merry occasion of New Year.