What stars say about the New Year that began on April 13: in one word ‘Monstrous’

Shri Ganesh Martand Panchang is a 115-year-old annual almanac which was launched by Pandit Ramdutt Jyotirvid, a well known astrologer of his time. He along with his astrologer sons was said to have been patronised by many princes and princelings (both Hindu and Muslim) in the Himalayan state and also in the Ruhelkhand area in the Terai.

Today the almanac is still being produced and edited by a younger member of the clan, Dipak Joshi, using digital tech for calculating the various Dashas or conjunctions of stars that foretell what the new Vikrami Samvat 2078 for Hindus that began on 13th April this year, heralds.

Published in Haldwani, this remains a popular almanac for calculating various auspicious timings for family events in Uttarakhand (especially in Kumaon) and is also subscribed by large number of non-resident Uttarakhandis who love their astrology.

The new Samvatsar does not look too good according to the Panchang. The name given to the year is Rakshas and the editor predicts it is going to be a year when people will behave like monsters.

• In the first month Chaitra (now on) there will be high winds and hail.
• Prices of cooking oil will go up in summer months of May and June along with sugar and jaggery.
• The monsoon will begin with poor rains in the first half ending with sudden and torrential rains in Bhadrapad, the second half.

Each new Samvatsar has a certain star (Griha) as ruler and another who is the Prime Minister to the Raja. The temperament of Grahas also contributes to the profile of the year. This year the ruler is Mars, the hot headed lord of war and pestilence. And to add to his militant push he will also be holding the post of the PM himself ! He will thus be controlling the rains and water availability (both likely to be extremes).

A few gentler stars like Mercury will hold charge of liquids and Venus, the good time Charlie among stars, will protect and multiply production of dry fruiys and fruits. Finance also seems to be relatively safe with Jupiter the lord of wisdom. However Mars will see to it that people turn militant and anti-establishment.

Dear oh dear ! That is not all.

Governments struggling under peoples’ backlash will frame various strict laws and progressive plans but they will remain largely unimplemented. Militancy, terrorism and widespread diseases will continue all through and keep the pot boiling.

The northern and south western parts of the globe will remain disturbedd and face many man made and natural disasters. The first, 7th and 9th months of the Rakshas Samvatsar will need special vigilance by rulers all over.

Scoff at predictions or swear by them, crystal gazing cannot be much fun.