Rajasthan Day will now be celebrated on Varsha Pratipada instead of March 30. This announcement by the Chief Minister on Wednesday has sparked joy among Rajasthanis. The Navvarsha Samaroh Samiti, formed in 1992 to promote the Indian New Year with the inspiration of the Sangh, had been urging the Rajasthan government for the past 24 years to shift the celebration from March 30 to Varsha Pratipada Nav Samvatsar. The reasoning behind this demand is that Rajasthan was originally established on this day according to the Hindu calendar, based on an auspicious muhurat. While the official declaration of Rajasthan’s formation took place on March 30, the significance of Varsha Pratipada was gradually forgotten, leading to the current observance.
Varsha Pratipada, the first day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra according to the Indian calendar, is also celebrated as the Hindu New Year. The decision to restore Rajasthan Day to this date is being viewed as a reconnection with the state’s cultural roots.
A Look at Rajasthan’s History
Historically known as Rajputana, Rajasthan was once a land of multiple princely states. The process of integrating these states into a unified Rajasthan occurred in seven phases. The merger began on April 18, 1948, with the unification of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli. The final major integration occurred in 1949 on Varsha Pratipada (March 30), when Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner joined to form the Greater Rajasthan Union, marking the official foundation of Rajasthan.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a key role in this process, overseeing the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. During the inauguration of Greater Rajasthan, he remarked:
“Today marks the beginning of the new year in Rajputana. Here, the year changes on this day. As we step into this new Maha Rajasthan, we must cleanse our hearts and seek God’s blessings to make us worthy citizens of Rajasthan. May we gain the strength and wisdom to uplift our land and serve its people.”
Reclaiming Cultural Identity
Many see this shift in Rajasthan Day celebrations as a return to traditional values. Social worker Radhika views it as a step towards breaking free from colonial influences, stating that recognising Varsha Pratipada reinstates a historical and cultural truth. Businesswoman Eena, based in the U.S., echoes this sentiment, emphasising the depth of Indian traditions. Despite Western influences, Hindus worldwide still follow auspicious timings based on the Panchang for significant life events such as housewarming ceremonies, weddings, and business inaugurations. Ignoring the traditional foundation day and imposing a date from the Gregorian calendar was seen as a remnant of colonial thought. The government’s decision to correct this is therefore welcomed, albeit belatedly.
A Broader Cultural Shift
This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to restore Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. Recently, the name of Hotel Khadim of RTDC was changed to Ajaymeru. Khadim refers to the clerics of the Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, while Ajaymeru is the original name of the city, dating back to the 7th century AD when Raja Ajaypal Chauhan founded it. Over time, Ajaymeru became known as Ajmer, even after Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti settled there. This renaming reflects an effort to reclaim Rajasthan’s historical and cultural identity.
The decision to celebrate Rajasthan Day on Varsha Pratipada is being widely appreciated as a move towards honoring the state’s indigenous traditions, fostering a deeper connection to its heritage, and moving away from colonial legacies.