Art and Culture

Vikram Samvat, one of the traditional Hindu lunar calendars, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. In 2025, the Vikram Samvat New Year celebrated on March 30th, ushering in the year 2082. This calendar, widely followed in North and Western India, holds deep cultural, religious, and historical significance.

Origin and History

The Vikram Samvat era is believed to have been established by the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain after his victory over the Shakas in 57 BCE. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, Vikram Samvat is a lunisolar calendar, aligning months with the moon’s phases while adjusting with the solar year.

How is the Hindu New Year Celebrated?

The Hindu New Year, also known as Nav Varsh or Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Key traditions include:

1. Religious Observances – Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, and seek blessings for prosperity.
2. Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) – Homes are decorated with Gudis (a bamboo stick with a bright cloth and neem leaves).
3. Ugadi (Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka) – People prepare Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish symbolizing life’s different flavors.
4. Navreh (Kashmir) – Kashmiri Hindus celebrate with rituals and traditional feasts.
5. Baisakhi (Punjab) – Marks the harvest festival and the Sikh New Year.

Astrological Significance

The Hindu New Year begins with the Chaitra month (March-April) and is considered auspicious for new ventures. Astrologers analyze the Panchang (Hindu almanac) to determine favorable timings (Muhurats) for important activities.

Vikram Samvat 2082: What to Expect

According to Hindu astrology, the year 2082 will be governed by Jupiter (Brihaspati), bringing opportunities for growth, wisdom, and spiritual progress. Key festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan will be observed based on this calendar.

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, is a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan. This year, in India, the festival is being celebrated on 31 March 2025 with great fervor and enthusiasm.

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims around the world. Observing the fast during Ramzan, known as sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a month of spiritual discipline, self-restraint, and heightened devotion, culminating in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

On this special day, families and communities come together to offer the special Eid prayer, known as Salat al-Eid, at mosques or open prayer grounds. The day begins with the giving of Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana, a charitable act to support the less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebrations. This act highlights the essence of compassion and generosity that is central to Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr is also synonymous with feasting and sharing. Homes are adorned, and tables are filled with delicious traditional dishes such as sheer khurma (a sweet vermicelli dessert), biryani, kebabs, and other regional delicacies. It is a time to exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” visit relatives and friends, and strengthen bonds of love and unity.

The Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, is observed on March 20, coinciding with the spring equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length. This ancient festival has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).

History and Significance

Navroz, meaning “new day” in Persian, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the beginning of the Persian calendar and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as well as the renewal of nature. The festival is named Jamshedi Navroz in honor of King Jamshed, who is credited with introducing the Parsi calendar.

The Parsi community in India, which migrated from Persia during the Islamic invasion in the 7th century, has preserved this tradition with great fervor. Navroz is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage in India, encompassing visits to four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites are nestled in the Himalayas and hold immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. The journey is believed to cleanse the soul and pave the way for salvation. The Yatra traditionally begins at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath.

Registration for Char Dham Yatra

To participate in the Yatra, registration is mandatory. Here’s how you can register:

Online Registration:

• Visit the official website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
• Create an account and provide your personal details, including a valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
• Select your preferred dates and complete the process by downloading your e-pass.

Offline Registration:

• Visit designated counters in cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
• Provide your documents and receive a QR code or registration letter.

The Yatra begins with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4.