UP devotees celebrate beginning of Hindu New Year

Varanasi, Apr 4 (ANI): Devotees in Uttar Pradesh organised cultural events and celebrated Vikram Samwat, the day of new year according to the Hindu calendar today.

Hundreds of devotees gathered in the wee hours on the banks of the river Ganga and performed rituals and prayed to seek blessings for themselves and their families.

"We have chanted holy verses from the Vedas to mark the beginning of Nav Samvat, to seek blessings. We hope to lead a spiritual life; therefore we are beginning this year with prayers," said a devotee.

"On this auspicious day, we want to convey our wishes to the entire world that may peace prevail on earth, and may our country continues to progress in all aspects and people live together in peace and harmony," said another devotee.

Meanwhile, locals in Rajasthan performed traditional rituals on Sunday as they celebrated the occasion and prayed for good health and prosperity of their families.

The devotees lit earthen lamps and celebrated the festival by performing traditional Indian rituals.

Vikram Samvat is a lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition and was established by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. (ANI)