6 Happy Festivals Celebrated Today Across India To Welcome The New Year.

We’re 3 months already into the new year, but wait…that’s just the Gregorian Calendar speaking. Today is the beginning of a new year for different communities across India. And there are many to follow.

1. Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra)

It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. On this day, a bright yellow, orange or green cloth is tied to the tip of a long bamboo with gaathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers tied to it. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. It’s called as Gudhi.

 

2. Ugadi (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)

Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning) that translates to “the beginning of a new age” viz. a new year. There is a tradition of eating a dish with six tastes that symbolizes that life is a mixture of experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) which should be accepted together.

 

3. Thapna (Rajasthan)

Thapna is a New Year as per Rajasthani calendar (Marwari Miti). Starting with 1st day of Chaitra Shudh.

 

4. Cheti Chand (Sindhi)

This is the New Year festival for the Sindhi people of India and Pakistan. On this occasion, people worship Water – the elixir of life. Cheti Chand is celebrated with great pomp in honor of the birth of Ishta Dev Uderolal (Jhulelal) the patron saint of the Sindhis.

 

5. Navreh (Kashmir)

On the first day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra, the Kashmiri pundits celebrate this new year festival. The Navreh thaal consists of un-husked rice, bread, yoghurt, sugar candy, walnuts, almonds, salt, flowers, a silver coin, a mirror, a pen and the new panchanga (almanac).

 

6. Sajibu Nongma Panba (Manipur)

It’s the lunar new year’s eve for the people of Manipur. They celebrate this festival with great joy, family, gatherings, feasts and offerings. After the feast, the family members climb a specially made hillock to pay tribute to the God of hills, signifying elevation of the spirit to a divine height.

Do let us know if we’ve missed any festival.

Happy New Year folks!

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