Do not consider January 1st as the New Year.

Do not consider January 1st as the New Year.

• Neither the season changes, nor the weather.
• Neither the school grade changes, nor the academic session.
• Neither the crop changes, nor the farming.
• The color of trees and plants remains the same.
• The positions of the Sun, Moon, and stars do not change.
• Even the constellations remain the same.

Do not consider January 1st as the New Year.

Even before January 1st arrives, everyone starts wishing Happy New Year, as if it is some grand festival.

The new year is not just a single day. There must be a few days of new experiences. After all, our country is a land of festivals.

The New Year of the Gregorian calendar is celebrated on January 1st, while the Indian New Year (Vikram Samvat) is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Let us see a comparative difference between the two:

1. Nature –
   On January 1st, there is no noticeable difference; December and January are the same. In Chaitra month, flowers bloom everywhere, new leaves appear on trees. The greenery all around seems as if nature itself is celebrating the New Year.
2. Clothing –
   In December and January, people wear the same clothes, blankets, and quilts, shivering from the cold. In Chaitra month, the cold gradually recedes, and the warmth of spring begins to arrive.
3. New school session –
   In December and January, school classes remain the same, nothing new. In March-April, when school results are declared, students move to a new class, a new academic session begins – this is the true “New Year” in schools.
4. New financial year –
   In December-January, there is no account closing. The banks close their books only on March 31st, and new accounts are opened. The government also starts a new session then.
5. Calendar –
   In January, a new calendar arrives. In Chaitra month, a new Panchang (Hindu almanac) is issued, which is used to determine festivals, weddings, and other auspicious dates. Without it, life in Hindu society is unimaginable. This Panchang is extremely important.
6. Farmers’ New Year –
   In December-January, the fields still contain the same crops. In March-April, crops are harvested, new grains arrive in homes, bringing enthusiasm and the true New Year for farmers.
7. Way of celebrating festivals –
   On December 31st night, people welcome the New Year with excessive drinking, partying, and sometimes reckless behavior, increasing the risk of accidents, crimes, and disturbing law and order, along with a decline in cultural values.
   In contrast, the Indian New Year starts with fasting, the first Navratri, and household worship of Mata Rani, creating a pure and spiritual atmosphere.
8. Historical significance –
   January 1st has no historical importance. Chaitra Pratipada, however, is associated with the beginning of Vikram Samvat by Maharaj Vikramaditya, the birth of Lord Jhulelal, the start of Navratri, and the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma.

Changing the English calendar date and the mindset of people does not change anything else. The true New Year is our own traditional calendar.

When there are changes in the universe, the Sun, Moon, constellations, weather, crops, school classes, new leaves on plants, farmers’ new harvest, students’ new classes, and new blood circulation in humans—all these are scientifically based changes.

Change your mindset. Recognize the science-based Indian calendar system. Think for yourself: why do we celebrate the New Year on January 1st?

“Only the calendar changes, not our culture.” That is why January 1st should not be considered the New Year.

Let us awaken, spread awareness, embrace Indian culture, and move forward.