Shubham karoti kalyanam

The first day of the Vikram Samvat, marks the first day of Chaitra Navratri. Lord Brahma started creating the universe on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The firstcrop cultivated, was Fau barley).

- PRIYA TANDON

Spring is in the air. The plant kingdom celebrates spring with vim and vigour. New leaves, flowers and baby fruits sprout. Trees, shrubs, creepers, climbers... all are dressed at their best. Nature is truly the personification of the invisible God. Come Spring, and nature presents omens for new beginnings, prosperity and unending hope.

The ancient Indians celebrated the New Year in the spring season, as the Vikram Samvat. The famous King Vikramaditya was coronated on the first day of the Vedic Lunar calendar. The Vikram Samvat or the Hindu calendar is named after him.

The Gregorian calendar was adopted on 22 March, 1957, for official purposes. As per the Vedic Lunar calendar, the Vikram Samvat 2082, shall start on 30th March, 2025. This year shall be the Sri Vishwavasu Nama Samvatsara. It is the 39th year in the 60-year cycle of Samvatsaras (years). 'Viswavasu' indicates that it shall be a year of beneficence, peace and good fortune.

The first day of the Vikram Samvat marks the first day of Chaitra Navratri. Lord Brahma started creating the universe on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The first crop cultivated was Jau (barley). We sow Jau and grow Khetri in our homes, during Navratri, in reverence of this crop and offer it back to Mother Nature. The fully mature, green Khetri is symbolic of abundance. It is considered to be the harbinger of goodness and prosperity. It is offered to the Devi and then to young girls during Kanya poojan on Ashtami or Naumi day. The rest of the barley when put into flowing water helps cleanse it.

Worship of God in any form is done with the sole purpose of establishing a connect with God. In Nav-ratri (festival of nine nights), we worship the feminine aspect of Divinity.