The Prime Minister of India recently extended his wishes on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, also known as the Kutchi New Year. This unique festival has several cultural and agricultural associations that embody the spirit of the Indian community, especially in the region of Gujarat.
Ashadhi Bij: The Kutchi New Year
Ashadhi Bij falls on the second day of Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of Ashada month as per the Hindu calendar. This festival marks the onset of monsoon rains in the Kutch region of Gujarat. An interesting facet of this celebration involves the prediction of the success of crops in the upcoming monsoon season by assessing atmospheric moisture levels during Ashadhi Bij.
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada: The Vedic New Year
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada signifies the commencement of the Vikram Samvat, also known as the Vedic or Hindu calendar. This date is based on the day emperor Vikramaditya defeated Sakas, invaded Ujjain, and marked the beginning of a new era.
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi: Celebrations in Deccan India
These festivals are celebrated in the month of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. They are primarily observed in the Deccan region, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Navreh: The Lunar New Year of Kashmir
Navreh is the lunar New Year celebration in Kashmir, falling on the first day of the Chaitra Navratras.
Sajibu Cheiraoba: New Year in Manipur
Sajibu Cheiraoba is celebrated by the Meiteis, an ethnic group in Manipur, on the first day of Manipur lunar month Shajibu, which falls in April each year.
Cheti Chand: Sindhi Celebration
The Sindhi community marks ‘Cheti Chand’, a festival named after the Sindhi name for the Chaitra month – ‘Chet’. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Ishta Deva Uderolal/Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.
Bihu: A Triannual Festival in Assam
Bihu is celebrated three times a year in Assam. Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April marks the Assamese new year and spring festival, coinciding with the Sikh New Year, Baisakhi. Kongali or Kati Bihu is observed in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January.
Baisakhi: Indian Thanksgiving Day
Baisakhi is observed as thanksgiving day by farmers across India. The Sikh community also regards it as sacred as it marks the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth laid down by Guru Gobind Singh.
Losoong: Sikkimese New Year
Losoong, also known as Namsoong, is the New Year festival in Sikkim. This is when farmers celebrate their harvest. It is celebrated every December with traditional gaiety and color by the Lepchas and Bhutias.
These diverse traditions and celebrations underpin the rich cultural mosaic of India, reflecting the distinct regional identities that together form the fabric of the nation.