Practice from ancient times

THE Hindi New Year starts on the first day of the bright half (Shukla paksha) of the lunar month of Chaitra (March/ April) and will be observed on Sunday.

In the Brahma Purana, the following reference to the origin of the universe is found: caitra mäse jagada brahmä sasarja prathame’hani|

“On the first day of the month of Chaitra, Lord Brahma created the material world.”

We note that the observance and celebration of the new year is a Hindu tradition and practice from the most ancient times.

Being the first day of the year, it assumes great importance and auspiciousness (a good, auspicious start leads to a greater possibility of success). This day is therefore observed religiously by Hindus to give them a greater opportunity to achieve their goals. It is this opportunity, to rededicate to spiritual pursuits, to good character and behaviour, in line with the Divine instructions, that we celebrate annually.

The new year is celebrated with prayers, fasting, singing of bhajans and kirtans, reading of scriptures, giving of daan (charity) and, finally, feasting on prasad (Satvic food, first offered to God). In this way, the tone is set for the coming year for a greater focus on activities that lead to a purer lifestyle, which can be achieved with an analysis of the way we live our lives.

This should help us develop qualities like truth, love, kindness and compassion, and to overcome negative behaviour like greed, lust, violence, fraud and corruption.

It is especially relevant in the present society, which is troubled by enormous challenges relating to crimes of greed, lust and self-benefit as opposed to serving the needy and society in general. While devotees engage in study of the scriptures and observe strict discipline in their diet, speech and behaviour so that they please the Lord on this day, this discipline needs to be carried over into the rest of the year so that we do indeed become better human beings.