Hindu Nav Varsh 2026: Why is there a tradition of eating neem leaves on Hindu New Year, know what are its benefits?

Hindu Nava Varsh 2026: In Hindu religion, Nav Samvatsar i.e. Hindu New Year is considered very special and important. According to the Panchang, every year the Hindu New Year starts from the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. This year the Hindu New Year is starting on Thursday, March 19. Vikram Samvat 2083 will start from this day. Since this day is Thursday, the king of this New Year is considered to be Jupiter, the guru of the gods.

Astrology believes that the day the new year begins, the planet to which it belongs is considered the king. The minister of this new year will be auspicious. The festival of Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra on the day of Hindu New Year. Marathi New Year also begins on this day. On this day, bathing is done in Brahma Muhurta. Worship is done, but do you know that in many places of India there is a tradition of eating neem leaves on this day? Let us know why people eat neem leaves on New Year?

tradition of eating neem leaves

In many parts of India, Neem leaves are eaten on the day of Hindu New Year. Especially on the occasion of Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, people consume Neem leaves on this day. In many places, neem leaves are eaten mixed with jaggery, tamarind or raw mango. According to religious belief, the tradition of eating neem leaves on New Year is considered a symbol of accepting the sweet and bitter experiences of life.

Benefits of consuming neem leaves

By eating this, a message is given to oneself that the coming year can be full of happiness, sorrow, success and challenges. We have to be prepared for every situation. Along with this, this tradition is also related to health. Hindu New Year usually falls in spring. The weather changes at this time. In such a situation, the possibility of infection or allergy increases. Consumption of neem leaves purifies the body. This protects the person from diseases.

Also read: Som Pradosh Vrat 2026: Som Pradosh Vrat will be observed tomorrow, know the auspicious time, method and importance of worship.