7th April 2016 is the last day of our Hindu calendar 2072! As per Hindu calendar, the Hindu year ends with Amavasya and commences with the first day of Chaitra month (between March-April). Did you know that along with Vikram Samvat (Hindu New Year), begins with the 9-day festival of Navaratri?

This year, on 8th April 2016, Vikram Samvat will be welcomed with full pomp and show in the Deccan region as well as in the northern parts of India. Also known as Ugadi in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, one can witness a great deal of excitement amongst Hindu devotees. As per Vedic Astrologers, Vikram Samvat is observed on the 14th night of Shukla paksha in the month of Chaitra Masa, i.e. spring (March- April). Did you know that the Vikram Samvat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar?

Read about the significance of Vikram Samvant.

  • King Vikramaditya started the Vikram Era, back in 57 BC, to mark his win over the Sakas. He defeated the Sakas at Ujjain, which is one of the well-visited places of the biggest Hindu fair Kumbh Mela!
  • Literary texts such as Brahma purana states that the first day of Vikram Samvat was considered auspicious by Lord Brahma, and this is one of the major reasons why he created the entire Universe on this auspicious day.
  • According to the Lunar Calender, strictly followed in Northern India, the Gregorian year 2016 is actually year 2073 of Vikram Samvat. The new year day is caluculated after precise consideration of the days that fall between 2 full moons, also known as Pratipada Tithi.
  • There are two types of Calendars, used by people, to look for information on important Hindu dates:
    • Amanta: This calendar observes and calculates dates from one NEW moon to second NEW moon.
    • Purnimata: This calendar observes and calculates dates from one FULL moon to second FULL moon.

How to observe the auspicious fast of Nav Samvant?

Vikram Samvant holds a lot of relevance and importance in Hindu culture. All around the globe, including a few Buddhist countries, this New Year eve is welcomed by observing a fast. Following are the methods that must be followed for fasting on this day:

  • It is advised to take bath early in the morning, and one should wear clean clothes.
  • Shodshopchar puja, which requires worshipping of 16 auspicious articles, must be performed and one must seek the blessings of Lord Brahma to fill their year with success & prosperity!
  • Navratri, the fasts of 9 days for seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga, also start on this day of Nav Samvat.
  • It is advised to put up a flag in their house, on the first day of Vikram Samvat.
  • One must seek advice from an expert astrologer for valuable predictions regarding the forthcoming year. The astrologer must be offered food and the offerer must seek his blessings as well to ensure a trouble-free year.
  • One must donate Hindu Panchangs on the first day of Vikram Samvat.
  • Recitation of the following Mantra must also be done to please Lord Brahma-

“Om Bramhney Namah” And “Om Aing Hreeng Kleeng Chamundayai Vichai”