Among Nepal's many vibrant festivals, Bisket Jatra stands apart as one of the most ancient and spectacular. Also known as Biska Jatra, it is celebrated annually in Bhaktapur and surrounding towns of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival marks the arrival of the Solar New Year according to the Hindu solar calendar — the Vikram Samvat — falling typically in March or April. Biska Jatra 2026 date is April 14. Unlike most Nepalese festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Bisket Jatra is anchored to the solar cycle, making it a rare and significant exception in the cultural landscape of Nepal. Its origins trace back to the celebration of Vaisakhi, the Solar New Year, when long red banners were unfurled atop towering wooden poles in Bhaktapur, proclaiming renewal, prosperity, and the blessings of the divine. The Name and Its Sacred Meaning The name "Bisket" is widely believed in popular tradition to derive from the Newar phrase meaning "the serpent is killed," linking ...

Nyepi is the Hindu New Year in the Bali Island of Indonesia. The New Year is observed as ‘a day of silence’ as Nyepi symbolically represents the state of the universe before creation. Nyepi 2027 date is March 9. Bali Hindu New Year is based on lunar calendar. The festival is marked by numerous rituals and pujas and is spread over four days. In 2028, it is on February 26, 2028. The rituals related to Nyepi begin two days before Amavasya or the actual Nyepi day. The first day is dedicated to Melasti purification or Mekiyis or Melis.  The day before Nyepi is Tawur Kesanga or Tawur Agung.  Then it is Nyepi the day of silence.  The next day is Ngembak Geni. History of Nyepi and Connection With India The Bali New Year is based on the Saka calendar – the one followed by the Indian government and in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Goa. In  India , Saka era begins with the Chaitra month. Kaniska I of  India...

The Hindu New Year 2083 or Vikram Nav Varsh Samvat in the traditional lunar Hindi calendars followed in North India – especially in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi and Chhattisgarh is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada (March – April). In 2026, the Nav Samvat begins on March 19. The New Year is first day after the Amavasya (No moon) in the month of Chaitra. The current year is known as Siddharth Nama Samvatsara (सिद्धार्थ  संवत्सर). But this is a shortened samvatsar (सिद्धार्थ  संवत्सर का लोप होकर रौद्र संवत्सर  में प्रवेश हो रहा है जलदी) and Roudra Nama Samvatsara (रौद्र  संवत्सर) will begin from April 11, 2026. Sankalpa and predictions etc for the year are based on Roudra Nama Samvatsara.  (The previous year which began on March 30, 2025 was the Vikram Samvat 2082 and it was known as  Kalyuttak Nama Samvatsara (कालयुत्तक संवत्सर) and it...

Different communities in Hindu religion have different dates for New Year in a calendar year. Below are the Hindu New Year dates in 2026. When is the Hindu New Year? Or when is the New Year in Hindu Religion? There is no single answer to this question. The numerous cultures that are part of Hinduism follow independent calendars and the New Year Day in these calendars are based on seasons and the agrarian economy of the region. Some calendars are lunar calendars and the New Year dates changes yearly. Majority of the Hindu New Year date falls in the months of March and April. Here is a list of the New Year dates in Hindu religion. New Year  – January 1, 2026 - Majority of Hindus welcome the New Year with prayers to Ganesha for peace and prosperity. Pongal – January 15, 2026 – A decade back the then DMK Government of Tamil Nadu had made Pongal as the Tamil New Year. (This decision was revoked by the next government.) Some people consider it to be new year. Nyepi...

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year and is observed for three days as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in Assam, India. The New Year is observed on the first day of Bohag month. The Hindu New Year celebrations in Assam begins on the last day of the Assamese month ‘Chait.’ In 2026, the date of Bohag Bihu is April 15. The first day of celebration is dedicated to cattle and is April 14, 2026. The word Bihu is a corruption of the Sanskrit word 'Bishu.' The word basically implies that people ask for blessing from gods for good rain and good harvest. Three Days of Bihu - New Year in Assam The first day of the Rongali Bihu New Year celebrations which falls on the last day of Assamese month ‘Chait’ is known as ‘Goru Bihu’ (the festival of cow). In 2026, the date of Goru Bihu is April 14. The second day of Bohag Bihu celebrations is known as ‘Manuh bihu’ (the festival for the people). It is popularly known as the traditional Assam...

Poila Baisakh, or Noboborsho, is the Hindu New Year in West Bengal and Bangladesh is celebrated in the month of Vaishakh or Baisakh (April – May). Poila Baisakh 2026 date is April 15. The Bengali New Year is popularly referred as Naba Barsha in Bengal and Pohela or Poila Baisakh in Bangladesh and is the first day in the Bengali Calendar. Bengali Year 1433 begins on the day. On Poila Baisakh, Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha are worshipped. Traders perform the halkhata ceremony that marks the advent of the Bengali New Year. All shops are decorated with flowers and one will notice stringed fresh lemons and chillies hanging in front of shops. This is used to ward off the evil eye. Shopkeepers, businessmen and traders close the old accounts and open a new one. People visit their favorite shop during the day to wish them luck for the year ahead. Traders welcome customers on this day with sweets. In Bengali houses, Noboborsho is noted for th...

Juir Sheetal in Mithila is also known as Maithili New Year and is observed in Bihar (the Mithila region of India) and Nepal. It is annually observed on April 14 – in some instances of April 15. Vikram Samvant the official traditional calendar of the Mithila region begins on the day. April 14/15 marks the first day of the Vikram Samvant in these regions. Baishakh is the first month of the year. Officially, the Government of Bihar calls the Maithili New year day as Mithila Diwas. Maithili New Year is also known as Nirayana Mesh Sankranti, Nepal Nava Barsha or Tirhuta New Year in some regions of Mithila in India and Nepal.

Vishu is the New Year of Malayalis – it is the astronomical or zodiac New Year in Kerala and is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of ‘medam.’ Vishu 2026 date is April 15. Usually, Vishu falls on the first day of Medam month but this year due to Surya Sankramana taking place late (after sunrise) on April 14 the day is shifted to April 15. Historically the festival is closely associated with the agrarian economy of Kerala – a state is the southern part of India . The highlight of the festival is Vishukani, Vishukaineetam and Vishubhalam. The Vishu day celebrations begin with the ‘Vishu Kani.’ ‘Vishu Kani’ is the first auspicious thing that people see on the day and this takes place during the Brahma Muhurta or ideally between 0400 hrs and 0600 hrs. The ‘Vishukani’ is usually prepared on the night before the Vishu day. Immediately on awakening from sleep, people close their eyes and proceed towards the place where Vishukani is placed. This is known as Kani Kanal ...

The Tamil New Year, Varusha Pirappu or Puthandu, is observed on the first day of Tamil month Chithirai, the first month as per traditional Tamil Calendar. In 2027, the date of Varusha Pirappu or Tamil New Year is April 14. Chithirai 1 is an auspicious day for Tamil speaking people in India (Tamil Nadu) and across the world, especially in Sri Lanka , Singapore , Malaysia and South Africa . The name of this year is Shobhakrit.  The main activity on the day is visiting temples and praying for peace, good health, happiness and prosperity. People wish friends, neighbors, family, relatives and colleagues with good fortune, good health and auspiciousness on the day. A major highlight of the Tamil New Year is the viewing of ‘Kanni’ – meaning auspicious things. Legend has it that viewing auspicious things on this day will bring good fortune throughout the year. After viewing the Kanni, it is time for a ritualistic bath. After the bath, it is time to draw the ‘Kol...

The Saka Calendar or the Sakh era is the Indian National Calendar and is largely ignored by most Hindu communities in India . The Hindu Saka calendar began in 78 AD with the Saka Era. In 2026, the date of the New Year according to the official Indian Calendar is March 22 - this is shown in government calendars. It is also the first day of the Chaitra month in Saka Calendar and the year is 1946. This calendar is mostly ignored by Hindus as they follow traditional regional lunar or solar calendars. A different Saka Calendar is followed in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka and in this calendar the year 1948 begins on March 19, 2026. In North India, the traditional Hindu New Year begins on the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the day after the Amavasya in Chaitra Month (March – April) and the calendar is known as Vikram Samvat in 2026 it is the year 2083 as per Vikram Samvat. In Gujarat , the New Year begins the day after Diwali (October - November). Other state...

New Year in Gujarat is celebrated on the day after Diwali and it is known as Hindu Vikram New Year. Vikram Year 2082 begins on October 22, 2025 and is also referred as Vikram Samvatsar and Hindu New Year in the respective regions. Vikram Year is the first day of the financial New Year in North India and the New Year begins on this day in Gujarat as per traditional Hindu Gujarati calendar. Auspicious time for puja, openings and new beginnings on October 22, 2025 are from 6:40 AM to 9:32 AM.  The Hindu calendar followed in Gujarat is also known as Vikram Calendar, or Vikram Samvat, and a month is calculated from new moon to Amavasya or no moon. Vikram Era was started in 57 BC by Emperor Vikramaditya as a commemoration of his victory upon the Shaks. This victory took place at Ujjain , one among the four places associated with Kumbh Mela. This Hindu calendar is also known as Vikram Samvat and begins with the Month Kartik or Kartak in Gujarat . Gujarati New Year i...

Kali Yuga is the fourth and last of the four Yugas in Hinduism. Current Kaliyuga year is 5128. It began on March 19, 2026. Kali Yuga 5128 began on March 19, 2026 as Hindu lunar calendar followed in most regions – Chandra Mana New Year. It begins on April 14/15, 2026 as per Solar Calendar followed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal – as per Saura Mana New Year. Kali Yuga started with the disappearance of Sri Krishna from earth. Sri Krishna was not seen on the earth from the first day of Kali Yuga. The duration of Kali Yuga is 432,000 years. Kali Yuga is believed to have started in 3102 BC. Kali has numerous meanings – anger, suffering, grieve, hurt, confound and confuse. We can find all these characteristics dominating the earth currently. The only way to attain moksha in Kali Yuga is by chanting the name of God. Virtue will have only on feet in Kali Yuga. This is the symbolic representation of the decline in physical and moral standards with the pas...

Cheti Chand is the Sindhi New Year and is observed on the second day of the Sindhi Chet month (March – April). Cheti Chand 2026 date is March 20. The corresponding month and date in traditional Hindu calendar is the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Lord Varuna, the Sea God and God of Water, is believed to have incarnated on the day. There is also a popular belief that Varun Dev appeared as Uderolal on the second day of Chet month to save Sindhis from the demonic rule of Mirkshah. Jhulelal Beda Par! - take us safely to to the other shore is a popular chant and prayer of the community. The day is also known as Jhulelal Jayanti. Jhulelal, also referred as Uderolal, appeared on earth to protect the Sindhi people from persecution. He arrived on earth to defend the faith of the Sindhi people. Story of the Birth of Uderolal Makrabkhan, also known as Mirkshah, took over the reins of the province of Thatta, which was inhabited by the peaceful Sindhi commun...

Kutchi New Year is observed on the second day of the shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashada month – Ashad Beej or Dwitiya. This Hindu New Year is observed in the Kutch region in Gujarat . In 2027, Kutchi New Year is on July 5. Vikram Samvat 2084 begins from from July 5, 2027 in Kutch region. Note – In other parts of Gujarat, Hindu New Year is on the day after Diwali – Kartik Shukla Paksha 1. The Kutchi New Year is mostly a traditional affair and is observed in homes. Relatives, friends and neighbors join in the festival. Today, many organizations are also giving importance to the day and organize satsangs, musical competitions and other cultural programs. Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and other regional deities are worshipped on the day.

Chaitra Sukladi is the New Year in traditional Hindu calendar based on the Vikram Samvat Hindu Lunar calendar followed in North India. In 2027, the date of Chaitra Sukhladi is April 7. Vikram Samvat 2084 begins on the day. This New Year is observed on the first day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Chaitra month (March – April) in traditional calendar. In simple terms, after the Chaitra Amavasya day (no moon day). Shukladi is one of the methods by which a lunar month is determined. Sukladi means starting from the bright half of the month or from the day after Amavasya (no moon). Shukladi method is followed in the calendars followed in Maharashtra , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In North India also Shukladi method is used to celebrate the Vikram Samvat New Year. But here a month is calculated from Purnima to Purnima (full moon).

Here are some Hindu New Year wishes and messages you can use: May this Hindu New Year bring you prosperity, happiness, and success. Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed year ahead! As the sun rises on the Hindu New Year, may it bring new hopes, new aspirations, and new beginnings. Happy New Year! On this auspicious occasion of the Hindu New Year, may Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom and remove all obstacles from your path. Wishing you a year filled with peace and prosperity. Let's welcome the New Year with hearts full of gratitude and minds focused on positivity. May this year bring you closer to your goals and dreams. Happy Hindu New Year! As we celebrate the dawn of the Hindu New Year, let's leave behind all the negativities of the past and embrace the opportunities of the future. Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, and blessings. May the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu be with you this Hindu New Year, guiding you towards a path of righte...

What is the current year in Hindu calendar for year 2025 to 2026? This is a tricky question as there are more than 7 important calendars in India . Large number of Hindus follow the Vikram Samvat calendar Hindi Calendar and in it the current year is 2082 – this calendar is followed in North India . Another important calendar is the Saka calendar that is followed in Maharashtra , Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka as per it the current year is 1947. Current year as per Hindu calendar followed in Bengal and Assam is 1432. Current year in calendar followed in Kerala is 1201. You can get more details about the current year in this article.

Nepal Sambat or the Hindu New Year in Nepal is observed on the first day of the Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi. It is also known as the Newar New Year or Mewar New Year. In 2026, Nepal Sambat begins on November 10, 2026. As per this calendar system, the current year is 1147. Note  Nepal Sambat 1146 began on October 22, 2025. The Nepal Sambat or calendar year was begun by Shankhadhar Sakhwa by relieving the people of Nepal off debt during the rule of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev. Nepal Sambat Began in 879 AD. Another Calendar that is observed in Nepal is the Bikram Sambat which began on 57 BC. A year as per this calendar begins on the Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi (March – April).  Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat – वैशाख सङ्क्रान्ति) When: Around mid-April (usually April 13 or 14) Calendar: Vikram Samvat (Bikram Sambat) — the official national calendar of Nepal Communities: Celebrated nationwide, by Hindus and others alike Significanc...

The second day of Nyepi celebrations in Bali in Indonesia is known as Tawur Kesanga or burning of huge demons known as Ogoh-Ogoh. This ceremony is on March 8, 2027. Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu New Year, is on March 9. On the Tawur Kesanga day, evil or Bhuta Kala is burnt. Huge demons are made using paper, bamboo and other inflammable materials. These huge demons are known as Ogoh-ogoh and they represent the evil. In a carnival atmosphere in the evening, Ogoh-ogoh is burnt in the street corner. It is a sort of warding off the evil and also a cleansing ceremony. This ceremony is similar to burning of Holika or Holika Dahan before Holi in  India . In India there is no fanfare and creative demons. The Ogoh Ogoh ceremony attracts thousands of people. Symbolically, it represents the burning of all evil, hatred, jealousy and all that is inauspicious before the New Year which falls on the next day. Symbolism Of Ogoh Ogoh Ceremony During Nyepi The Ogoh-Ogoh Ceremony, w...

The first day of the four-day Balinese New Year (Nyepi) begins with the Melasti. This is a purification ceremony of the deities worshipped in Temples . Melasti 2027 date is March 7. Melasti is a purification ceremony and is also known as Mekiyis or Melis. Nyepi or the Hindu New Year in Bali is on March 9. On the Melasti day, two other rituals are held and this is known as Bhuta Yajua to create balance between mankind, nature and the deities through the Pecaruan offering. Pecaruan offering involves sacrificing of certain animals. The next day is known as ogoh-ogoh and huge Paper Mache idols of demons are burned. Melasti is a significant Hindu Balinese ritual that typically takes place several days before Nyepi, the Balinese New Year's Day, which is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. Melasti is a purification ceremony meant to cleanse both the environment and the souls of the participants in preparation for the new year. During Melasti, communities gathe...