Say happy new year in myriad manners

India is a melting pot of an array of cultures and languages and Bangalore is a microcosm of this. And this mind-boggling mix of cultures will be on display today and tomorrow (April 14 and 15) as at least seven communities in the city celebrate the solar new year in their unique ways.

The city’s markets were abuzz on Tuesday with people from across the country, who have made Bangalore their home, purchasing essentials and preparing for Wednesday’s new year celebrations.

General secretary of the East Cultural Association, Indiranagar, Soman, and his family were among the city’s thousands of Malayali families that were busy setting up the auspicious Vishukkani for Vishu, the Malayali new year.

“Vishu is celebrated regardless of religion or sect. The Vishukkani or Kani Kanal is a set of prescribed items that must be seen first thing in the morning of the new year to ensure prosperity throughout the year. These items are later donated to the needy,” he said.

Bunts, originally a peasant community from Karnataka’s coastal belt, too were busy preparing to celebrate Bisu Parba with great pomp and show. Bisu is the first day of the new year for the people of Tulunadu and they welcome it by thanking Mother Earth for her abundance.

Tamilians in the city were found decorating their thresholds with fresh mango leaves and gathering necessary items to prepare the delicious mangai pachchadi (mango chutney) for the Puthandu celebrations. At dawn on new year’s day, women draw patterns in front of their houses and place a lamp on it to dispel darkness and welcome a prosperous year.

The rains set the tone for Poila Baisakh celebrations of Bengalis, who dress up in  traditional attire and participate in a procession called prabhat pheri wishing everyone shubho nabo barsho (happy new year).

Cheiraoba, too, will be celebrated in a grand manner during the day by the city’s Manipuri residents. The ceremony starts early in the morning when the women prepare the athelpot — a mixture of whole rice, raw vegetables, fruits and flowers of the season — which is offered to the gods.

Ritu Arambam, a housewife, said that the celebration would not be grand as she was away from home. “But I will prepare some tasty dishes and share them with my neighbours,” she said.

Ratan Sethi, a businessman in the city, was all excited about the Baisakhi celebrations. Marking the beginning of the solar year, Punjabis offer prayers at the Gurudwara for a good harvest.

Traditional dances and performances are the highlight of the day.  Baisakhi was also celebrated by the Sikhs to mark the day when their tenth spiritual leader, Guru Gobind Singh, had organised the order of the Khalsa, Sethi said, adding, “We will offer prayers at the Gurudwara, eat good food and enjoy some energetic Bhangra.”
With inputs from Crystal Yumnam, Kajal Sabherwal, Divya Shree and  Mahalakshmi G