Vikram Samvat or Bikram Samvat is the Hindu’s New Year and is celebrated all across India on different dates and by different names. Indian emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain started Vikram Samvat calendar in 57 BC after his victory over the Sakas. This day falls in the month of Chaitra or Chaitra Shukla Pratipada in the month of March or April. On the occasion, people wear new clothes, decorate their homes with elegant flowers and rangoli designs, illuminate light lamps, exchange gifts, bring the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi to their homes and worship them. Following are the names and months of some of the States:
Punjab
Baisakhi is celebrated as New Year in Punjab that occurs in mid-April.
Kashmir
New Year is celebrated by the Kashmiri people during the festival of Navreh.
Maharashtra
During March or April, New Year is celebrated in Maharashtra as Gudi Padva.
Bengalis
In April, Bengalis celebrate New Year as Naba Barsha.
