Indian New Year: A Festival Echoing India's Glory and Wisdom Worldwide

• Udaipur,According to the Brahmapurana, "Chaitramase Jagadbrahma Sasarja Prathamehani. Shukla Pakshe Samagrantu Tada Suryodaye Gati," meaning Lord Brahma created the universe on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the very day human life began. The renowned mathematician Bhaskaracharya based the first Indian calendar on this date, making it a momentous occasion in Indian culture.

This was stated by Ramesh Shukla, the patron of the Indian New Year Samajotsav Committee, during a press conference at Hotel Historia Royal on Wednesday. Highlighting the significance of Indian timekeeping, he emphasized that the Indian New Year is a scientifically accurate and universal celebration, as its calculations remain constant across the globe. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which varies across time zones, Hindu dates remain uniform worldwide.

He elaborated that ancient Indian astrologers precisely calculated celestial events, including solar and lunar eclipses, which remain unfailingly accurate. The Indian timekeeping system accounts for astronomical phenomena such as tithi increase, decrease, extra months, and more without affecting its accuracy.

Shukla noted that colonial education policies distanced the younger generation from India's scientific and cultural heritage. He cited Thomas Macaulay’s 1836 letter stating that within 100 years, Indians would retain their appearance but think, speak, and act like the British. He urged the youth to reconnect with India's glorious past and present it to the world, encouraging them to embrace and spread awareness about the Indian New Year.

Historical Journey of Indian Calendars

• Bhaskaracharya’s Siddhanta Shiromani states that all major Indian calendars originate from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.

• Vikram Samvat started 3044 years after Kali Yuga.

• Shaka Samvat (Shalivahana Samvat) began 135 years before Vikram Samvat.

• Gregorian Calendar started 57 years after Vikram Samvat.

• Yugabda Samvat, marking the onset of Kali Yuga, is over 5000 years old.

Why Vikram Samvat Began
Emperor Vikramaditya vanquished foreign invaders, earning the title "Shakari." His triumph on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada led to the establishment of Vikram Samvat. He restored sacred temples and constructed roads connecting Hinglaj Bhavani (Pakistan) to Kamakhya Devi (Assam), securing the subcontinent's boundaries. Indians embraced Vikram Samvat as their national calendar in his honor.

Chaitra Navratri: A Festival of Power Worship
Chaitra Navratri, beginning on the same day, marks nine days of Goddess worship, including special rituals at temples, Durga Saptashati recitations, and spiritual observances.

Other Significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

• Lord Rama and Emperor Yudhishthira ascended to their thrones on this day.

• Birth anniversaries of Saint Jhulelal and Guru Angad Dev.

• Arya Samaj Foundation Day.

Three-Day Grand Celebration in Udaipur

March 28: Shankhnad and Talent Showcase

• The festival begins at 7:30 AM with auspicious conch-blowing at major temples like Bohra Ganeshji, Jagdish Temple, and others.

• A talent showcase event highlighting folk culture and patriotism will be held at 6 PM at the Municipal Corporation premises.

March 29: Grand Saffron Youth Rally

• A massive procession with saffron turbans and white attire will commence at 4 PM from Fateh School, passing through key city locations.

• Achyutanand Maharaj of Beneshwar Dham will grace the event.

March 30: Majestic Procession and Bhajan Sandhya

• The grand procession will start at 3 PM from Gandhi Ground, featuring decorated chariots, martial arts displays, and devotional singing.

• A concluding Bhajan Sandhya will be held at the Municipal Corporation ground, celebrating the cultural and spiritual grandeur of Indian New Year.

The Indian New Year is not just a festival but a moment of pride and wisdom, echoing India's glorious history across the world. The organizing committee has invited everyone to join this grand celebration.