Diwali 2025: What Is Vikram Samvat 2082?

Every year around Diwali, market watchers and investors start talking about a “new Samvat.” It’s one of those terms that sounds traditional but still finds relevance on modern trading floors. As we step into Samvat 2082, let’s unpack what it really means, when it begins, and why it continues to resonate with India’s investing community. 

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The Calendar With Ancient Roots 

The Vikram Samvat is among the oldest calendar systems still in use. It’s said to have been introduced by King Vikramaditya more than two millennia ago. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows only the sun, this one is luni-solar - it tracks both lunar phases and the solar cycle. 

Because of that, the Vikram Samvat runs about 56 to 57 years ahead of the Western calendar. In simple terms, what we call 2025 in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to 2082 in the Vikram Samvat. The difference shifts slightly each year because the lunar calendar begins with a different phase of the moon. 

When Does Samvat 2082 Begin? 

The new year in this system doesn’t begin on January 1. It starts with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada—the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra. 

For 2025, that falls around the evening of March 29 and the morning of March 30, depending on regional lunar calculations. Across India, this day takes on many names: Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in the southern states, Cheti Chand among Sindhis, and so on. Though the customs differ, the sentiment is shared—celebrating renewal, hope, and prosperity. 

A Tradition That Still Feels Relevant 

Every new Samvat carries the idea of fresh beginnings. Homes are cleaned, ledgers are closed, and new books are opened. In business families, this act—known as Chopda Pujan—marks the symbolic start of a financial year. The medium may have gone digital, but the intention remains timeless: to start afresh with gratitude and purpose. 

There’s also something quietly meaningful about how culture and commerce meet here. Even in today’s digital economy, these small rituals serve as emotional checkpoints—a reminder that success has always been about balance, not just numbers. 

Why the Markets Pay Attention?

For investors, Samvat 2082 isn’t only about tradition. It marks the beginning of a new trading year on Dalal Street. The highlight is the Muhurat Trading session—a special one-hour window on Diwali evening when the markets open for symbolic trades. 

Many traders participate not to chase short-term gains, but to mark the start of a prosperous year ahead. It’s a mix of faith, optimism, and habit—a blend that’s distinctly Indian. 

Beyond the ceremony, this transition also serves a practical purpose. It’s a natural moment to pause and reassess—review portfolio performance, adjust asset allocation, and set financial goals for the coming year. Just as people make New Year’s resolutions in January, investors often make theirs around Diwali. 

What Samvat 2082 Means for You?

You don’t have to be deeply traditional to appreciate what this moment stands for. The essence of Samvat is reflection—on what worked, what didn’t, and how to begin again with clarity. It’s as much about resetting your mindset as it is about renewing your investments. 

So, as Samvat 2082 begins, take a moment to revisit your financial goals, ensure your strategy still fits your risk appetite, and realign for the year ahead. Whether you’re a long-term investor or an occasional trader, this is as good a time as any to start afresh—with purpose and patience. 

A Closing Thought 

There’s a poetic symmetry in how ancient calendars and modern markets overlap. One speaks of lunar cycles, the other of business cycles, but both remind us that everything moves in rhythm. 

As the lamps of Diwali light up homes and trading screens alike, here’s wishing you a prosperous and thoughtful Samvat 2082—one built on balance, discipline, and optimism.