What is Vikram Samvat
Overview
Vikram Samvat is the most widely used traditional calendar era in India. It is believed to have been started by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 57 BCE to mark a victory over the Shakas. The Hindu panchang, festival dates and auspicious muhurats are all counted in this era.
Relation to the Gregorian year
Vikram Samvat runs about 57 years ahead of the Gregorian year. In North India it changes on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa); in Gujarat the new year begins on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali.
Shaka Samvat and Kali Yuga
The Shaka Samvat began in 78 CE and is the basis of India's national calendar — about 78 years behind the Gregorian year. The Kali Yuga era is counted from 3102 BCE, so it is roughly the Gregorian year plus 3101.
⚠️ This information is based on traditional panchang calculations and is meant as general guidance. For important ceremonies such as marriage or Griha Pravesh, please confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit or acharya. Timings can shift slightly by city as sunrise and sunset differ.