Nav Samvatsar has a special place in the rich cultural history of India. It is not just the beginning of a new year, but is a confluence of the origin of the universe, religion, faith and culture. According to the Hindu calendar, Nav Samvatsar begins from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It was on this day that Brahma ji created the universe, so it is also called the first day of creation. This day is the beginning of a new era based on Indian chronology, which is known as Samvatsaras like Vikram Samvat and Shak Samvat.
History of Vikram Samvat
A major form of Nav Samvatsar prevalent in India is ‘Vikram Samvat’, which is associated with the victory saga of Maharaja Vikramaditya. It is said that in 57 BC, the great ruler of Ujjaini, Vikramaditya, conquered the Shakas and started a new era. Vikram Samvat was started in memory of his victory. It is a symbol of pride and victory in the Indian tradition, which reminds us of our golden past.
Shaka Samvat and its importance
Apart from Vikram Samvat, another Samvatsara also holds an important place in Indian history, which is called ‘Shaka Samvat’. It started in 78 AD, when Emperor Kanishka introduced it. It has also been accepted by the Government of India as an official calendar. This Samvat connects us with the scientific nature of Indian mathematical and astronomical traditions.
Why is Vikram Samvat 57 years ahead?
Vikram Samvat is 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The reason for this is that Vikram Samvat was calculated on the basis of an important victory of Maharaja Vikramaditya. According to history and traditions, King Vikramaditya of Ujjain defeated the Shakas in 57 BC and in memory of this victory, he started a new Samvatsara. That is why Vikram Samvat is calculated from 57 BCE, due to which it is always 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For example, if the current Gregorian year is 2025, then Vikram Samvat will be 2082 (2025 + 57 = 2082).
Nav Samvatsar and the origin of the universe
According to religious beliefs, Nav Samvatsar is not only the beginning of a new year, but also the day of creation of the universe. On this day Brahma ji created the world and that is why it is also called Brahma Samvat. Vikram Samvat is celebrated in different states of India with names like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi etc.
Religious significance of Nav Samvatsar
Nav Samvatsar begins on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, which is a special time for the worship of Maa Durga. On this day Mangal Kalash is installed in homes and Maa Durga is worshipped. Also, it is an indicator of the change of season, when nature is filled with new life, new leaves come on trees and new energy is transmitted in the atmosphere.
How to celebrate Nav Samvatsar?
On this day, it is considered auspicious to take a bath and apply tilak, wear new clothes, worship in temples, sprinkle holy water and celebrate with family. Also, decorating the house with mango leaves and toran also holds special significance.
12 months in Hindu calendar
In the Hindu calendar, the year is divided into twelve months, which are based on lunar-solar calculations. These twelve months are called Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik, Margashirsha (Agahan), Paush, Magh and Phalguna respectively. Each month has its own religious and cultural significance, and various festivals are celebrated in these months. In the Hindu calendar, months are calculated according to the movement of the moon, in which months start on the basis of full moon or new moon. Hindu New Year starts from the month of Chaitra.
Greeks copied Hindu calendar
It is believed that the Greeks created their own calendar by adopting the calculations and concepts of the Hindu calendar and then spread it in different parts of the world. Even though the Gregorian calendar is more popular globally today, the importance of the Indian calendar remains unbroken even today. In India, the auspicious time for religious festivals, fasting, birth and death anniversaries of great men, marriage, housewarming and other auspicious works is calculated according to the Hindu calendar. It is not just a method of measuring time, but is deeply connected to Indian culture, astrology and religion, which has been giving direction to Sanatan traditions for centuries.
Connection to culture and tradition
Nav Samvatsara is not just a date, but a symbol of our culture, pride and Sanatan traditions. This day teaches us that every year should be started with new resolutions, new enthusiasm and new energy. This festival inspires to live life with self-purification and a new perspective.
So come, this time let us celebrate Nav Samvatsar with joy and faith, adopt the great heritage given to us by our ancestors and carry forward this invaluable tradition of Indian culture!
