About Festival
Samvatsar, which falls on chaitra shukla pratipada is traditionally the first day of new year.
The new year, which we are talking about here is not the more popular one which starts on 1st of January, but the traditional Indian new year.
Time is a continuous process. That’s why we require a reference point to measure the passage of time for better planning of the future. This reference point can be any day of the year and it is better if the day has some historical, cosmic, geographical or religious significance.
Traditionally, we consider Chaitra Shukla Pratipada as the New Year day. This day has following significance:
1) This is the day on which Bhagvaan Brahma started creating the universe.
2) Navratri celebrations start on this day.
3) This is the time when nature rejuvenates in the Indian continent i.e. spring sets in with many plants flowering and new eruptions on trees after barren looks of winter.
4) After defeating the Sakas in a fiercely fought battle, the great Hindu King Vikramaditya introduced a new reference year under the name Vikram era on this day (57 B.C.).
As we know Bihariji is not bound by time but He is the master of time, so it does not matter to Him how we count the time- days, months and years. We recognize it as a special day and therefore look to Him seeking blessings for the coming year. It is considered auspicious to listen to the astrological analysis and forecasts for the coming year on this day.
How is the day celebrated in the temple?
Devotees congregate in the temple courtyard much before the darshan time and the renowned astrologers read out the major aspects and forecasts for the year. Devotees listen to these with rapt attention and paint a picture of coming events in their minds- the picture can be very bright or not so bright depending upon the astrological considerations. A true devotee, unlike a pessimist who sees red light everywhere and an optimist who sees green light everywhere, is colour blind and is not carried away by these and surrenders to Bhagvaan!"
At darshan time when you are eye to eye to Bihariji, just forget everything and simply pray for his kindness:
Prabhuji, mohi na bisariyo mein jan tero
O Kind Ishwar never leave me alone, I am by you.
Jai Shri Kunj Bihari, Jai Jai Shri Swami Haridas!