What is Vikram Samvat?
Vikram Samvat is a Hindu calendar system based on the movements of the Moon and the Sun. It is used to determine the timing of festivals, fasts, marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and other auspicious activities. It is an ancient Indian traditional system of timekeeping that is believed to have begun in 57 BCE and is associated with the legendary king Vikramaditya.
In Vikram Samvat, the year usually begins with the month of Chaitra. Each month is divided into two lunar phases: Shukla Paksha (when the Moon is waxing) and Krishna Paksha (when the Moon is waning). Based on this calendar, important religious observances and dates such as Amavasya (New Moon), Purnima (Full Moon), Ekadashi, and Pradosh are determined.
This calendar is not limited to religious purposes alone; it is also closely connected with seasonal changes, agricultural activities, social traditions, and cultural festivals. Even today, Vikram Samvat is widely used in India and Nepal for religious and traditional events.
Introduction to Vikram Samvat
Vikram Samvat is an ancient Indian traditional calendar system. It is named after King Vikramaditya and began in 57 BCE.
It is approximately 56–57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar (the modern calendar system).
- It is mainly used in India and Nepal.
- The Vikram Samvat year usually begins in the month of Chaitra (March–April in the Gregorian calendar).
Vikram Samvat 2083–2084 (2026–2027 AD)
| Month | Approx Gregorian Dates | Major Festivals / Fasts |
| Chaitra | 7 March 2026 – 5 April 2026 | Chaitra Purnima, Ram Navami |
| Vaishakh | 6 April 2026 – 5 May 2026 | Baisakhi, Buddha Purnima |
| Jyeshtha | 6 May 2026 – 4 June 2026 | Guru Purnima, Nag Panchami |
| Ashadha | 5 June 2026 – 4 July 2026 | Ashadha Krishna Ashtami |
| Shravan | 5 July 2026 – 4 August 2026 | Sawan Mondays, Raksha Bandhan |
| Bhadrapada | 5 August 2026 – 3 September 2026 | Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami |
| Ashwin | 4 September 2026 – 3 October 2026 | Navratri, Vijayadashami |
| Kartik | 4 October 2026 – 2 November 2026 | Karva Chauth, Diwali |
| Margashirsha | 3 November 2026 – 2 December 2026 | Aditya Navami |
| Paush | 3 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 | Makar Sankranti, Pushya Nakshatra Vrat |
| Magha | 2 January 2027 – 31 January 2027 | Magha Purnima, Shri Krishna Jayanti |
| Phalguna | 1 February 2027 – 2 March 2027 | Phalguna Amavasya, Holi |
Key Features of Vikram Samvat
- Era began: 57 BCE
- New Year starts: Chaitra month (March–April)
- Month structure: Divided into two lunar phases
- Major festivals: Ram Navami, Sawan Mondays, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, etc.
How Do Hindu Months Work?
Each Hindu month has approximately 30 days and is divided into two parts:
1. Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon)
- Begins after Amavasya (New Moon)
- The Moon increases in size
- Considered auspicious
- Most marriages, housewarmings, and new businesses are started during this period
2. Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon)
- Begins after Purnima (Full Moon)
- The Moon decreases in size
- Large and new ventures are generally avoided
- Focus is on prayer, fasting, and spiritual practices
Why Do People Say “The Moon is Growing, Do Auspicious Work”?
During Shukla Paksha, the Moon grows brighter.
Traditionally, it is believed that:
- Positive energy increases
- Growth and prosperity are supported
- Therefore, weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and new businesses are started
During Krishna Paksha:
- The Moon decreases
- Major new beginnings are often avoided
- More emphasis is placed on worship and spiritual discipline
Important Lunar Days and Fasts
1. Amavasya (New Moon)
- Moon is not visible
- Good for ancestor rituals, charity, and prayers
- Avoid marriage, housewarming, and new business
2. Purnima (Full Moon)
- Full Moon night
- Auspicious for worship, fasting, and charity
3. Ekadashi
- Occurs twice every month
- Day of fasting
- Believed to purify body and mind
4. Pradosh Vrat
- Occurs twice every month
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Considered highly sacred
Vikram Samvat 2083–2084: Auspicious & Inauspicious Months
| Month | Main Feature | Auspicious Activities | Inauspicious Activities |
| Chaitra | Beginning of year, Spring | Housewarming, marriage, business start | Long journeys, legal matters |
| Vaishakh | Start of summer | Agriculture, investment, business expansion | New house construction, surgery |
| Jyeshtha | Peak summer | Religious rituals, education | Marriage, housewarming |
| Ashadha | Rainy season begins | Spiritual practice, pilgrimage | Marriage, major ceremonies |
| Shravan | Sacred month of Lord Shiva | Fasting, worship, marriage | House entry on Amavasya |
| Bhadrapada | Festive season | Marriage, new business | Starting work on non-auspicious days |
| Ashwin | Navratri, Vijayadashami | Marriage, business, worship | Surgery |
| Kartik | Diwali month | Worship, charity | New business on Amavasya |
| Margashirsha | Winter begins | Agriculture, religious work | Marriage ceremonies |
| Paush | Cold season | Fasting, spiritual activities | Long travel, new beginnings |
| Magha | Magha Purnima | Marriage, pilgrimage | Major investments |
| Phalguna | Holi month | Marriage, housewarming | New beginnings on Amavasya |
Key Points:
- Auspicious activities – Marriage, housewarming, starting a business, worship, religious ceremonies.
- Inauspicious activities – Long journeys, entering a new house, starting a new business (especially on Amavasya or during extremely hot/cold months).
- Sawan and Navratri months – Particularly best for worship and religious rituals.
- Amavasya and extremely hot/cold days – Inauspicious for starting new work.
Vikram Samvat is not just a religious calendar, but a system deeply connected to nature, seasons, and lifestyle.The tradition of performing auspicious activities during Shukla Paksha and focusing on spiritual practices during Krishna Paksha reflects a balance between material life and spiritual growth.It represents harmony between cosmic movements and human life.
