The beauty of India lies in its diversity. India is home to people who speak different languages, practice different faiths, wear different clothes, eat different foods, and celebrate different festivals. It is like a garden where many flowers of different colors bloom.
In every country, the New Year is welcomed with great fanfare as it marks a new beginning. In some places, there are grand fireworks and carnivals. Each country has its own fascinating customs and traditions associated with the New Year. This is because such traditions can supposedly bring us good luck and fortune.
In Ecuador, people burn the effigies of politicians to get rid of the last year’s negative energies. Some hide money in the compounds of their houses to attract wealth in the coming year. In the Philippines, people wear clothes that have dots and keep some coins in their pockets. They believe that round objects are symbols of prosperity. They also consume round-shaped fruits like Orange and Guava on New Year’s Eve.
In Greece, it is the custom to sing carols on New Year’s Eve. The children get money money from their elders and neighbors for singing New Year Carols. When the New Year countdown starts, they switch off all the lights so that they can begin the year on a fresh note. In some regions, people eat a kind of cake called Vasilopita. Coins are hidden in the cake, and whoever gets a coin in their slice of cake will have a fortunate New Year.
Sydney Harbor in Australia has one of the most magnificent fireworks displays for the New Year. China, too, has spectacular fireworks. In New York, people gather at Times Square for the New Year countdown. The ball drop, when a glowing ball is lowered down a flagpole to mark the beginning of the new year, is the highlight of the event.
In India, different states celebrate the New Year in their own unique ways. Let us see how India celebrates the New Year. (In India, the Vedic New Year is usually celebrated in mid-April, as we follow the Hindu calendar and not the Gregorian one).
Ugadi (Telugu New Year)
Ugadi is celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in Chaitra month (March-April). People wear new attire on this day, visit relatives. The day signifies the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is the custom to make sweets and pachadi (sweet syrup) with raw mangoes, neem leaves, etc., for the Ugadi meal.
Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year)
It is usually on the same day as Ugadi. People celebrate it by hoisting green and yellow flags. Gudi is linked to the victory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj over his foes, along with the celebration of Shalivahan’s victory.
Baisakhi (Punjabi New Year)
It is also the harvest festival of Punjab. It is on 13th or 14th April generally. The Sikhs, too, celebrate it as it denotes Guru Gobind Singh’s establishment of the Khalsa. People dance to traditional music on this day.
Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
It is on April 13 or 14 and is the first day of the first Tamil month, Chithirai. People wear new clothes and do Tamil Puthandu Pooja. They also prepare an elaborate, Arusuvai (6 flavored) meal comprising rice, dal, sambar, rasam, mango pachadi, poriyal, koottu, vada, payasam, etc. Manga Pachadi is made with raw mangoes, Jaggery, and neem flowers.
Bohag Bihu (Assamese New Year)
The festival is held in mid-April, when agricultural activities are undertaken. The Assamese people celebrate the festival with great fervor. There are two more festivals called Maagh and Kaati during this time.
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
Pohela is the Bengali New Year. People take part in cultural programs, do shopping, and worship at temples on this day. This is an auspicious time to conduct marriages.
Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year)
Bestu Varas is the Gujarati New Year. It is the start of the harvest season. It falls on the day following Diwali.
Vishu (Kerala New Year)
Vishu is one of the major festivals in Kerala. People wear new cloths, see the Vishukkani first thing in the morning, do Poojas, burst crackers, and visit temples on this day. They also prepare Vishu Sadya – an elaborate meal comprising dal, sambar, rasam, aviyal, pachadi, thoran, payasam, etc. In April, the cassia trees will usually be in full bloom, drooping with clusters of golden flowers, making for a beautiful sight. Bunches of these flowers are kept on the tray, along with fruits, coins, and a mirror for the Vishukkani, which represents auspiciousness.
Loosong (Sikkimese New Year)
Loosong is held in December. Another name for it is “Sonam Losar”, meaning ‘farmer’s new year’. Chamm dance is one of the main attractions.
Navreh (Kashmiri New Year)
Navreh is usually on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. It is as important as Shivratri in Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandits dedicate the festival to Goddess Sharika. The Sapta Rishi era of the Kashmiri Hindus supposedly began on this day, 5079 years ago. Legends say that Goddess Sharika dwelt on Sharika Parabata (a mountain) where the Sapta Rishis gathered. It is an auspicious day due to the fact that the first ray of sun fell on Chakreshwari and honored her. This moment marked the beginning of the New Year and the Sapta Rishi era for astrologers.
Hijri (Islamic New Year)
It is on the very first day of Muharram. The date is fixed based on the Lunar Calendar and has many customs and traditions.
The most wonderful thing about India is that people of all religions take part in each other’s festivals, testifying to their unity in diversity.
