Vikram Samvat 2074 – Hindu New Year

27th March 2017 is the last day of our Hindu calendar 2073! 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 Vikram Samvat (Hindu New Year) begins with the 9-days festival of Navratri?

This year, on 28th March 2017 (14th night of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra), Vikram Samvat will be welcomed with full pomp and show in the Deccan region as well as in the northern states of India. Also known as Ugadi in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, one can witness a great deal of excitement amongst Hindu devotees.

What are the Important Timings on Vikram Samvat?

What is the Significance of Vikram Samvat?

This day is regarded highly auspicious to perform Pujas, start any important project and most importantly, get rid of all sorrows, overcome financial losses and resolve family disputes. According to Brahma Purana, the first day of Vikram Samvat was considered so sacred by Lord Brahma that He created the entire Universe on this blessed day.

What are the Rituals Observed on Vikram Samvat?

• Shodshopchar Puja : Take an early morning bath, wear new clothes and perform Shodshopchar Puja, which includes offering heart-felt prayers to Lord Brahma using 16 Puja Items (incense sticks, jyot, sandalwood, kumkum, supari, coconut, three types of flowers, fruits, paan ke patte, prasadam, haldi, gangajal, betel leaves, betel nut, white cloth and unbroken rice). But Shodshopchar Puja must be performed at a Vastu-friendly place (after consulting a Vastu expert) as otherwise it can lead to harmful effect on a person’s health (severe accidents in extreme cases) and major financial losses.
• Mantra Chanting : Recite the below mantra 108 times- “Om Bramhney Namah”
• Donations : Devotees offer food, clothes and other useful items to Brahmins and the needy.

For further updates about Hindu Tithis and Festivals, refer www.pawankaushik.com