Chaitra Krishna 12, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 March, 2026: SM 7024 (For Private Circulation only)
1.
FESTIVALS : VARSHA PRATIPADA 2083; The New Year, Vikram Samvat 2083, (Yugabda
5128, Prabhava Samvatsar) begins on the Pratipada tithi of the Shukla Paksha in
the month of Chaitra. The Gregorian calendar marks this day as March 19 in 2026.
The Hindu New Year is celebrated under various names depending on the region.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: While
visiting the Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat on March 4, Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that the Sangh can
be understood from a humanistic angle rather than a political one as Sangh is a
part of the process of uplifting Sanatan Dharma.
On February 28, Dr. Bhagwat addressed a gathering of educationists, retired
administrative officers and judges at the auditorium of the Kurukshetra
University.
On the occasion of the 871st Chadar Mahotsav of Dada Gurudev Acharya Shri
Jindatt Suri at Jaisalmer, Dr. Bhagwat highlighted the eternal nature of
Bharatiya culture, unity in diversity, and social harmony. He described the
871-year-old Chadar of Dada Gurudev Acharya Jindatt Suri as a symbol of the
resilience of Bharat’s Sanatan culture.
3. RSS PRATINIDHI SABHA: Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi
Sabha (ABPS) - the highest decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS) - was held on March 13-15 in Samalkha, Haryana.
Sharing the latest figures, Hosabale said that Sangh currently runs 88,949
shakhas at 55,683 locations.
From the societal perspective, Hosabale said that Sangh has been promoting the
concept of Panch Parivartan and these themes have guided many of the outreach
programmes undertaken across the country during the centenary year. Another key
focus has been ensuring a right and proper narrative about Bharat’s history,
culture, knowledge traditions, and social life.
Among the major commemorative initiatives organised during the centenary year
were programmes marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary 9th Sikh Guru of Guru
Tegh Bahadur, the 150th anniversary of the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the 650th
birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas. Hosabale further said the Sangh had planned
75 Sangh Shiksha Vargs across the country in the coming months. These include 63
regional camps, 11 kshetra-level camps, and one Akhil Bharatiya training camp in
Nagpur.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCP5WZn3brI -GoTop
4. PRATINIDHI SABHA (ABPS) OF THE BHARATIYA KISAN SANGH:
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh was held in
Bhagyanagar, Telengana, from February 27 to March 1 at Rashtriya Vidya Vihar,
Annojiguda.
5. VAISHVIK SAMMELAN OF ABRMS: Over 800 scholars,
policymakers and academicians gathered at the Dr BR Ambedkar International
Centre on February 22-23 for the two-day Vaishvik Sammelan of Akhil Bharatiya
Shaikshik Mahasangh, where discussions centred on Artificial Intelligence, human
values and the need to align technological advancement with Bharat’s
civilisational ethos.
6. ‘BHARTI – NAARI SE NARAYANI’ CONVENTION: The ‘Bharati
– Nari Se Narayani’ National Convention of Women Thought Leaders was held on
March 7–8 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, focusing on empowering women and
celebrating their role in nation-building.
7. 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR’S MARTYRDOM:
Owe Ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar Sector 29 witnessed a ceremony marking the
conclusion of a two-day congregation organised to commemorate the 350th
anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Also known as ‘Hind di Chadar’,
Guru Teg Bahadur fought for religious freedom and was beheaded in 1675 on orders
from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The two-day event commemorating his martyrdom
drew around 1.8-2 million people, including Sikh devotees from across Bharat and
overseas.
Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa said that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution in Chandni
Chowk marked a defining moment in Bharatiya history.
The two-day congregation included an exhibition featuring illustrated panels,
audio-visual installations, traditional Sikh weaponry; Banjara and Labana
performances; and nagar kirtan from Belapur to Kharghar. -GoTop
8. ‘HINDUTVA FOR A DEVELOPED INDIA’ CONFERENCE: A
two-day international conference on the theme ‘Hindutva for a Developed India’
was held at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar. The event was organised
jointly by the university’s Shantikunj campus and the World Association of Hindu
Academicians (WAHA).
9. HSS TONGAAT HOSTED HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: On March 1,
HSS Tongaat (South Africa) hosted a successful Hindu Heritage Camp for students
aged 7 to 18 years at the divine premises of Veerabhoga Emperumal Mandir,
Tongaat. The event welcomed 102 campers. 10 youth volunteers, and 5 senior
volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s grand success.
10. HSS NEW VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING ITS ROLE IN AMERICAN
SOCIETY: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA launched a new video highlighting its
vision, mission, and core activities that promote Dharmic values and service to
American society.
11. HSS USA’S AWARD-WINNING HOLI FLOAT LIGHTS UP THE
CAMELLIA PARADE: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA participated in the annual
Camellia Parade in Temple City, Los Angeles County, marking its continued
involvement since 2019. Nearly 40 teenagers from four Southern California
Vibhags and UC Riverside marched with Ghosh Vadan, showcasing discipline,
teamwork, and the leadership skills nurtured through regular Shakha.
12. HSS USA BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Black History Month
serves as an intervention in memory, insisting that Black experiences be placed
at the center of national consciousness.
In East Valley, Kesari shakha hosted Honorable Matt Orlando, council
member, City of Chandler. He explained in detail how the city has supported
vibrancy and has successfully made it an ideal microcosm of the American spirit.
In North Valley, Bami Adelayo (originally from Nigeria), an accomplished
criminal defense attorney and a writer, shared his inspirational life lessons
through a thoughtful book he authored that reflects an immigrant's experience.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh chapters in Charlotte hosted local community
leaders to celebrate Black History Month through open, heartfelt conversations.
HSS Roseville marked Black History Month by highlighting Twiana
Armstrong, the founder of the non-profit, seeMYChild, who exemplifies unity and
service to the community.
13. ‘HOW INDIA GIVES’ : PHILANTHROPY & SOCIAL IMPACT:
Bharat’s philanthropy story is usually told from the top down. It features
corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, billionaire pledges and splashy
foundations. But a new report argues that the real engine of Bharat generosity
is far more prosaic – and vastly larger.
14. SEWA HINDU MOBILE PANTRY LAUNCHED: SEWA Hindu
Mobile Pantry officially launched its first mobile pantry on February 22 in
Irving, Texas, in collaboration with the DFW Hindu Mandir Ekta Mandir. It is a
symbol of compassion, offering free vegetarian groceries with dignity, respect,
and a warm welcome to every guest.
15. BHARAT EXTENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO MALAWI: Bharat
has dispatched a humanitarian shipment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi to
help the African nation cope with food shortages caused by drought conditions
linked to the El Nino climate phenomenon.
16. SEWA PAINT-A-BAG WORKSHOP AT MOORESTOWN, NJ:
As part of the ongoing efforts to engage and uplift the senior community, Sewa
International – South Jersey Chapter organized a Paint-a-Bag workshop for
residents of CareOne at Moorestown Assisted Living on February 28. This creative
activity encouraged seniors to express themselves through art while enjoying a
relaxed and social atmosphere. Participants were provided with plain reusable
tote bags, fabric paints, and brushes, and were guided in creating their own
unique designs.
Beyond creativity, the event helped promote mental well-being, fine motor
skills, and social connection among the residents. It served as a heartwarming
reminder that art has no age limit, and that small, meaningful activities can
bring joy while strengthening community bonds. -GoTop
17. GRAND OPENING OF SWAMINARAYAN GURUKUL IN AUSTRALIA:
Marking a significant milestone for the local community in Victoria region of
Australia, a Swaminarayan Gurukul was opened on February 21. The event was
attended by a distinguished delegation of faith leaders, Hindu Council of
Australia and state officials, including the Hon. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll.
The Swaminarayan Gurukul Mandir stands as a testament to extraordinary community
mobilisation. In a feat of engineering and devotion, the structure was completed
in a record timeframe of just 11 months.
18. THIRUMANGAI ALVAR MURTI RETURNED BY ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM:
The Ashmolean Museum has returned a 16th-century bronze murti of Thirumangai
Alvar to the Government of Bharat after conducting provenance research and
coordinating with Bharatiya authorities. The handover ceremony took place at the
High Commission of Bharat in London on March 3.
19. MAJOR SWATI SHANTHAKUMAR WINS UN HONOUR FOR
PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN: On International Women’s Day, Bharatiya
Army officer Major Swati Shanthakumar from Bengaluru was honoured with a
prestigious award from the United Nations Secretary-General for her outstanding
contribution to peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan.
Major Swati pursued Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the New Horizon
College of Engineering before joining the Bharatiya Army. Today, she is serving
as part of Bharat’s peacekeeping contingent in the United Nations Mission in
South Sudan (UNMISS). She leads a team of 20 Bharatiya women soldiers assigned
to the mission. -GoTop
20. DRDO CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT-TRIALS OF VSHORADS:
On February 27, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully
conducted three successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System
(VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of
Odisha. These tests were carried out to revalidate the capability of VSHORADS
missile system in neutralising high-speed threats flying at varying speed,
range, and altitude.
21. BUST OF GANDHI UNVEILED IN MONTANA: A bust of
Mahatma Gandhi was installed at the Mike Mansfield Center of the University of
Montana in Missoula. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, along with the Consul
General of Bharat in Seattle Prakash Gupta, jointly unveiled the bust of the
Mahatma at a gathering attended by leading officials from the state, including
faculty and students of the University of Montana, as well as members of the
Montana World Affairs Council.
Earlier in the day, around 400 Montanan students also attended a briefing
session on Brand Bharat, where they were introduced to the flavors of Bharatiya
coffee, including ARAKU, and briefed about Bharat’s ODOP during the Academic
World Quest Conference hosted by the Montana World Affairs Council. -GoTop
22. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The greatest glory in living lies
not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Maharishi Valmiki
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
----
WHY THE HINDU NEW YEAR MATTERS TO INDIA
Virendra gupta
India is not merely a nation
defined by geographical boundaries; it is an ancient and living civilisation
whose cultural consciousness has evolved over thousands of years. One of the
most profound expressions of any civilisation lies in how it perceives,
measures, and celebrates time. Timekeeping is not only a technical or
administrative exercise but also a reflection of a society’s philosophy,
spirituality, agricultural wisdom, and relationship with nature. In modern
India, however, there is a growing tendency to celebrate the English New Year on
December 31, with great enthusiasm, even though this date has little connection
with India’s civilisational ethos, seasonal rhythms, or cultural traditions.
The English New Year is based on the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in
Europe in the sixteenth century and later imposed across much of the world
during the colonial era. India adopted this calendar primarily for
administrative convenience under British rule, not as a result of cultural
acceptance or civilisational continuity. While the Gregorian calendar continues
to serve a practical role in global coordination today, its elevation as the
primary marker of celebration and renewal in Indian society reflects a deeper
legacy of colonial influence that still shapes our social behaviour and mindset.
It is important to recognise that the date of January 1, does not signify any
natural, agricultural, or spiritual transition in the Indian subcontinent. It
falls in the middle of winter, when nature is largely dormant and agricultural
activity is limited. The celebration of this date is largely driven by modern
consumer culture, entertainment industries, and social imitation rather than by
any intrinsic cultural meaning. Over time, the celebration has increasingly
taken the form of late-night parties, noise, and excess, which stand in contrast
to India’s traditional values of balance, reflection, and harmony.
In contrast, the Hindu system of timekeeping is deeply scientific, ecological,
and spiritually aligned. Indian calendars are based on precise astronomical
observations of the movement of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Systems such as Vikram
Samvat, Shaka Samvat, Kali Samvat, and various regional calendars demonstrate a
sophisticated understanding of cosmic cycles that predates modern astronomy by
centuries. These calendars were not created arbitrarily but were designed to
align human life with natural and cosmic rhythms.
Across most of India, the Hindu New Year begins around March or April,
coinciding with the arrival of spring. This period marks the end of harsh winter
conditions and the beginning of renewal in nature. Trees blossom, crops are
harvested, daylight increases, and the environment visibly rejuvenates. This
natural transition makes the Hindu New Year a logical and meaningful point for
beginning a new cycle, reflecting the Indian worldview that human life should
remain in harmony with nature rather than detached from it. The celebration of
the Hindu New Year takes diverse regional forms across the country, reflecting
India’s unity in diversity. Festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Navreh, Cheti
Chand, Baisakhi, Pohela Boishakh, Puthandu, and Vishu may differ in rituals,
cuisine, and local customs, but they share a common philosophical foundation.
Each emphasises gratitude, hope, renewal, and collective well-being. Families
gather, elders bless the younger generation, prayers are offered, and charity is
encouraged, reinforcing social bonds and moral values.
In Hindu tradition, time is regarded as sacred and cyclical rather than linear
and disposable. The concept of ‘Kala’ is deeply embedded in Indian philosophy,
where every cycle of time presents an opportunity for self-reflection, righteous
conduct, and spiritual growth. The Hindu New Year is not merely a change of
date; it is an invitation to introspect on one’s actions, renew ethical
commitments, and realign life with the principles of dharma. Such an approach
nurtures both individual responsibility and collective harmony.
Unfortunately, as Indian society becomes increasingly influenced by Western
cultural symbols, there is a visible erosion of awareness about indigenous
traditions. The widespread prominence of December 31, celebrations,
particularly in urban areas, has overshadowed the cultural significance of the
Hindu New Year. This shift does not represent progress or modernisation but
rather a gradual detachment from cultural roots. True modernity lies in the
ability to engage with the world while remaining grounded in one’s own heritage.
Several nations with ancient civilisations have demonstrated that it is possible
to preserve traditional calendars alongside global systems. Countries such as
China, Israel, Iran, and Thailand continue to celebrate their traditional New
Years with pride and official recognition, without compromising their economic
or technological progress. These societies understand that cultural confidence
strengthens national identity and social cohesion. India, with its far older and
richer civilisational heritage, should display similar confidence in honouring
its own traditions.
It is also significant that India already possesses an officially recognised
national calendar, the Shaka Samvat, which is used alongside the Gregorian
calendar in government documents and communications. However, this recognition
remains largely symbolic, as public awareness and social participation in its
observance are limited. Bridging this gap requires conscious efforts through
education, cultural initiatives, and public engagement so that traditional
timekeeping becomes a lived reality rather than a mere constitutional reference.
Advocating the Hindu New Year does not imply rejection of the Gregorian calendar
or hostility towards global practices. India has always been inclusive and
pluralistic in spirit, accommodating diverse beliefs and traditions. The
objective is not exclusion but balance, not imposition but restoration.
Indigenous traditions should not be marginalised in their own land, especially
when they offer profound ecological wisdom, ethical guidance, and cultural
continuity.
Public institutions and leadership play a vital role in preserving and promoting
cultural heritage. Legislative bodies, educational institutions, and cultural
organisations can lead by example by acknowledging the Hindu New Year through
official messages, cultural programmes, and public discourse. Such initiatives
reinforce cultural self-respect and inspire younger generations to take pride in
their heritage.
As India moves forward as a confident and self-reliant nation, it must ensure
that progress is rooted in cultural consciousness rather than cultural amnesia.
The Hindu New Year represents harmony with nature, respect for cosmic order,
spiritual renewal, and social unity. Reclaiming its rightful place in public
life is not a step backwards but a reaffirmation of India’s timeless
civilisational wisdom. Celebrating our own New Year alongside global calendars
reflects a mature, confident society that honours its past while shaping its
future with clarity and pride. (Vijender Gupta, Speaker, Delhi Legislative
Assembly)
https://dailypioneer.com/news/why-the-hindu-new-year-matters-to-india
-GoTop
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