Introduction to the concept of Vedic Calendar

According to the Vedic Calendar which is based on the lunar cycle,

the month of ‘Chaitra’ (April) heralds the beginning of the New Year

at the close of the austerities of winter and just when nature and

creation are again opening up to all the new possibilities of spring.

It is celebrated on the auspicious day of ‘RAM NAVMI’ (Lord Ram’s

birthday). On this New Year Day people take bath in the holy rivers

like Ganga and pray for continued divine grace, prosperity,

bountiful crops, happiness and harmony in all of creation.

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THE VEDIC NEW YEAR

• The Indian or Vedic System of time in terms of months and years are chartered according

to the lunar (moon’s) phases and positioning.

• Therefore each month starts and ends with the new phase of the moon. This belief states that

nature; all of creation and even the human body are greatly influenced by the powerful

influence of this satellite of the earth, much like the daily tides of the ocean and seas are.

• And thus to give this power its due and to best utilize its scope and possibilities, the

relativity of time is judged and noted according to it. A typical Vedic month starts from the

day after the full moon (Purnima) which is the diminishing phase till the 15th day of no

moon (Amavasya) and then follows the increasing phase of 15 days till the new moon

again. This cycle makes the month complete. The descending and ascending phases of the

moon of approximately 15days each in a month are called ‘Krishna-paksha’ and

‘Shukla-paksha’ respectively.

• The Vedic New Year is celebrated in the month of April in the Hindu month of ‘CHAITRA” at the

beginning of spring, when all of creation renews itself and is ready to burst forth with new

energy and hope. We are presently in the year VIKRAM SAMVAT 2072

• This lunar calendar gives significance to special days which highlight the importance of certain

aspects of the divine creative force which are lively on that particular day and can be best

enlivened with the appropriate’ mantras’ or even simple awareness of the dominating principle!

The calendar will thus usually mention all the festivals and celebrations.

• For further details or explanations for any of the special dates, festivals and their special

significance please e-mail to info@maitreyivedic.in. OR Visit our website www.maitreyivedic.in

We will be happy to share with you the Maitreyi Vedic Calendar and related details.