India, known for its cultural diversity, recently marked the arrival of spring with an array of traditional new year celebrations. These include Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba, all holding unique historic and cultural significance.
Chaitra Sukladi: The Vedic Calendar
Chaitra Sukladi heralds the beginning of the new year according to the Vikram Samvat or the Vedic calendar. This calendar is based on historical accounts of Emperor Vikramaditya, who, after defeating the Sakas, called for a new era from his throne in Ujjain. Chaitra Sukladi is observed on the first day of the waxing phase of the moon in Chaitra, the initial month of the Hindu calendar.
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi: Deccan Delights
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi foster regional solidarity among the inhabitants of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These festivals are marked by the tradition of serving bevu-bella, a mix of jaggery and neem, symbolizing life’s sweet and bitter moments. Gudi, a special doll, is created in Maharashtrian households for Gudi Padwa, while doors are embellished with mango leaves for Ugadi.
The Sindhi Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand, the Sindhi community’s new year festival, celebrates the birth anniversary of Jhulelal, the community’s patron saint.
Vaishakhi: A Salute to Sikh Bravery
Vaishakhi, also known as Baisakhi, commemorates the creation of the Khalsa panth of warriors by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The same day also marks the Jallianwala Bagh massacre perpetrated by the colonial British empire, an event which spurred the Indian freedom struggle.
Navreh: Kashmiri New Year
Navreh is celebrated as the New Year’s Day in Kashmir. Rituals, flower decorations, preparation of traditional dishes, and prayers to deities are key highlights of this celebration.
Sajibu Cheiraoba: Festival of Manipur
The festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba is one of the most important celebrations in Manipur. Especially significant among the Meiteis of the state, this festival is marked by elaborate arranged festivities.
Vishu: A View from South India
Vishu, a festival primarily observed in Kerala, commemorates the first day of Medam, the ninth month in the solar calendar in Kerala. It is also celebrated in neighbouring regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka’s Tulu Nadu, Mahé district of Union Territory of Pondicherry, and their diaspora communities.
Puthandu: Tamil New Year
Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarudam or Tamil New Year, is celebrated as per the Tamil calendar and is aligned with the solar cycle of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It usually falls on or about 14th April each year.
Bohag Bihu: Assamese New Year
Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu or Xaat Bihu (seven Bihus), is a significant ethnic festival for the indigenous ethnic groups of Assam and other northeastern regions. Celebrated during the second week of April, it signifies the harvest season and marks the Assamese New Year.
These festivals, each with their unique customs and rituals, not only mark the onset of spring and a new year but also reflect the rich cultural tapestry of India. They serve as a reminder of the country’s diverse heritage and the unity that stems from this diversity.
