Hindu New Year

Hindu New Year is one of the widely celebrated festivals in India. It is celebrated in accordance to the Hindu Lunar Calendar - Pachaganga. This day marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. This day is also celebrated as Vikram Sawant. According to the Hindu calendar, the New Year commences from the first day of Kartik month.

History of Hindu New Year

The history of this celebration dates back to 57 BC as the origin of the Hindu calendar is associated with legendary Hindu King Vikramaditya. As history says, a nun was kidnapped by King Gardabhilla. She was the sister of a Jain monk Kalacharya. The monk seeked help from the Saka ruler of Sakasthana to deal with Garbadhilla. Garbadhilla was defeated and was captivated though released later. As the king retired to the forest, he was killed by a tiger. Gabradhilla's son, Vikramaditya later attacked the Sakas and drove them off. To mark the celebration, Vikramaditya commemorated a new era called Vikram Samvat.

Celebration of Hindu New Year The Hindu New Year is celebrated throughout India. However, northern India and Gujarat celebrate this day with a lot of pomp and enthusiasm. The day is celebrated by organizing a number of programs that spreads happiness. Large parts of India boast a colorful look on this day. People engage themselves in a number of activities. Lighting lamps, decorating households with flowers are some of the common practices. They also wear new attires and also offer pujas to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. People present gifts and sweets to their near and dear ones. This day is also regarded as auspicious by the people of the nation.

Time of celebrating Hindu New Year

Hindu New Year usually falls in the month of March. This year, it will be celebrated on March 16.

Indianholiday.com provides detailed, online information on the Hindu New Year as well as for other fairs and festivals in various parts of India.

Festivals in March 2012

Festival Name	Festivals Day/Date
Karni Mata Mela	1 Mar, Thursday
World Book Day	1 Mar, Thursday
Chapchar Kut	2 Mar, Friday
Rashtriya Suraksha Divas	3 Mar, Saturday
Khatu Shyamji Festival	3 - 5 Mar, Saturday-Monday
Paripally Gajamela	4 Mar, Sunday
Chinakkathoor Pooram	7 Mar, Wednesday
Elephant Festival	7 Mar, Wednesday
International Women's Day	8 Mar, Thursday
Holi	8 Mar, Thursday
Holla Mohalla	9 Mar, Friday
Hindu New Year	12 Mar, Thursday
No Smoking Day	14 Mar, Wednesday
Thirunakkara Arattu	14 - 23 Mar, Wednesday-Friday
Sheetla Asthami	15 Mar, Thrusday
Kaila devi Fair	19 Mar, Monday
World Forestry Day	21 Mar, Wednesday
World Water Day	22 Mar, Thursday
World Meteorological Day	23 Mar, Friday
Gudi Padwa	23 Mar, Friday
Ugadi	23 Mar, Friday
Chaitra Navaratri	23 Mar - 1 Apr, Friday(starting)
World TB Day	24 Mar, Saturday
Chetri Chand	24 Mar, Saturday
Attuvela Mahotsavam	25 Mar, Sunday
Gangaur Festival	25 - 26 Mar, Sunday-Monday
Mewar Festival	25 - 27 Mar, Sunday-Tuesday
Doctor's Day	30 March, Friday