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For many years, we have looked toward India to guide our Vratotsav dates. This served us well during our early years abroad. However, as our community grows and matures, we must align our practices with the eternal laws of nature as prescribed in our Shastras.

A Significant Shift

Changing from a traditional India-based calendar to a Local Sunrise system is a significant shift. In the Swaminarayan Sampraday and wider Hindu tradition, this isn't just a technical change; it is a move toward greater spiritual precision. We are not "abandoning India," but "honouring the Sun where we live."

Spiritual Precision

The Shastras state that a ‘Tithi’ (lunar day) is tied to the Sun. If the sun has not yet risen on our horizon, that day has not spiritually begun for us. A ‘Tithi’ is "born" at a specific moment, but its religious observance begins only when the local sun touches our horizon.

By using local sunrise, we ensure we are fasting and praying at the exact time the Shastras intend for our specific location. By switching, we are following the Shastra more accurately than before.

Biological Harmony

A Vrat (fast) is a biological and spiritual alignment with the Sun. Fasting is a sacrifice of the body. By following India’s calendar, we often find ourselves starting or ending fasts at odd hours that do not align with our local day/night cycle. Local timing allows our Circadian Rhythm to stay in sync with our spiritual goals, making our Tap (penance) more meaningful and healthy.