Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accompanied by his wife Seema Yadav, lit lamps at Ram Ghat on the Shipra River’s banks in Ujjain to celebrate the Hindu New Year, Vikram Samvat 2081.
On Tuesday, a total of 5.51 lakh lamps lit up the banks of the Shipra River, commemorating the event. Additionally, intricate designs were created using the lamps to promote voting awareness in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
“On the occasion of the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2081, the government organised this event and it is organised every year. Since the model code of conduct is implemented so I could go to the stage. But every year I come to the banks of the river and enjoy the event along with the public. Around 5.5 lakh diyas are lit here. I also did ‘deep daan’,” CM Yadav informed ANI. Additionally, the Chief Minister conveyed his best wishes to the citizens of the state and the nation on this occasion.
The Vikram Samvat is a solar calendar that incorporates 12 to 13 lunar months in each solar sidereal year. Typically, the Vikram Samvat calendar runs 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar, but from January to April, it is 56 years ahead. Across India, this calendar is celebrated under various names; for instance, in Maharashtra, it’s known as Gudi Padwa.
The Vikram Samvat calendar is attributed to the legendary King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, who is traditionally believed to have initiated it in 57 BC. However, historical records do not indicate its usage prior to the 9th century.
The New Year’s Day in the Vikram Samvat calendar commonly marks the beginning of Chaitra month in April. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh is scheduled for Lok Sabha polls in four phases, with the first phase on April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, and May 13.