India is steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, one of which is the celebration of several New Year festivals. These include Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba. The President of India extends his warm greetings to the people on these occasions. Each festival carries a unique significance and involves various customary practices upheld by different Indian communities.
Understanding Ugadi And Gudi Padwa
Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are celebrated in the Deccan region, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These festivals coincide with the onset of the traditional New Year as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, falling in the month of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. An integral part of both celebrations is the food, which strikes a balance between sweet and bitter tastes, symbolizing the dual experiences of joy and sorrow in life. A popular dish served during these festivities includes jaggery (sweet) and neem (bitter), known as bevu-bella in the South.
In Maharashtrian households, there is a custom of crafting a ‘Gudi’, a doll made from a bamboo stick adorned with green or red brocade. This Gudi is placed prominently for all to see and admire. In contrast, on Ugadi, doors are embellished with mango leaf decorations, referred to as toranalu or Torana in Kannada.
The Celebration Of Cheti Chand
The Sindhi community celebrates their New Year as Cheti Chand. The term ‘Chet’ represents the month of Chaitra in Sindhi. The day also holds historical significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Ishta Deva Uderolal, Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis. The occasion is marked with grand festivities and celebrations.
New Year Celebration: Navreh
In the picturesque region of Kashmir, Navreh is celebrated as the lunar New Year. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nav Varsha’, it is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra Navratras. A bowl of rice, symbolizing wealth and fertility, is the first thing the Kashmiri Pandits look at deliberately on this day. A special ‘Thali’ is also prepared for the occasion.
Sajibu Cheiraoba: A Grand Ritual Festivity
Sajibu Cheiraoba is a significant festival of Meiteis, an ethnic group in Manipur. It is observed on the first day of the Manipur lunar month Shajibu, which usually falls in April. As part of the customs, a joint family feast is arranged where traditional cuisines are offered to local deities at house entrances.
| Festival | Region | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ugadi | Deccan region | New Year celebration as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar |
| Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra | Same as Ugadi, celebrated with the making of a ‘Gudi’ |
| Cheti Chand | Sindhi community | New Year celebration, marking the birth anniversary of the Sindhi Patron Saint |
| Navreh | Kashmir | Lunar New Year celebration |
| Sajibu Cheiraoba | Manipur | New Year festival of the Meiteis |
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada And The Origin Of Vedic Calendar
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is the first day during the waxing phase of the moon in the Chaitra Month. This day signifies the beginning of the Vikram Samvat or Vedic [Hindu] Calendar’s New Year. Celebrated under different names like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Telugu, this Hindu New Year is based on the day when the emperor Vikramaditya defeated the Sakas and invaded Ujjain, leading to a new era. Under his guidance, astronomers created a new calendar using the luni-solar system, which is still followed in Northern regions of India.
The Meiteis People
The Meiteis, one of the prominent ethnic groups in Manipur, are largely based in the Manipur Valley and are known for their industrious nature. They converse in Tibeto-Burman language and most of them follow Hindu customs, intricately weaving their cultural fabric into the diverse Indian culture. Their New Year festival, Sajibu Cheiraoba, beautifully showcases their rich tradition and customs.
