So you thought April was all about summer. Well it is also the month when several states & communities celebrate their New Year Day.
So you thought April was all about summer. Well it is also the month when several states & communities celebrate their New Year Day. DNA details the festivities and practices associated with these auspicious days.
Punjab
Known as: Baisakhi
Falls on: April 14
The harvest festival for most Indians in North India, Baisakhi is New Year for the Punjabi community. But for Sikhs, the day holds a different significance altogether. President of Khalsa Youth Association, Harpreet Singh Makhija said, "We believe that our 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa community on this day, in the year 1699."
Wishing each other and attending kirtans and paths at the Gurudwara are the major activities observed on this day. A resident of Satellite, Sunita Grover said, "Functions such as mundane (hair cutting) ceremony are planned and carried out on this day as it is considered auspicious. Also, sweets are prepared at home to celebrate the day with family as well as devotees at the Gurudwara." The Gurudwara at Thaltej will be decorated in a grand way as thousands will congregate there for the kirtan.
Bengali
Known as: Poila Baisakh
Falls on: April 14 - 15
The Bengalis celebrate New Year on April 15 with great fervor and enthusiasm. People clean their houses, decorate and greet each other 'Shubo Nabo Barsho'('A very happy New Year') on this day. Bengalis get up early, bathe and visit Mahakali temples and wish each other. Speaking to DNA, general secretary of Ahmedabad Bengal Association Charitable Trust, SK Mishra said, "Traditionally, we decorate our houses with variety of items but these are not available in Ahmedabad. Also, we have a get-together programme at our cultural hall behind Rajpath Club. We will sing Rabindranath Tagore songs and dine together." He also said that wearing new clothes and performing Lord Ganesha's puja is a must on this day. Bengalis consider the day to be auspicious for starting new business. In fact, some businessmen start the new ledger on this day.
Assam
Known as: Bihu
Falls on: April 14
A harvest festival for the Assamese community, Bihu which is celebrated during mid-April every year, marks the beginning of the first day of the Hindu calendar. In Assam it is celebrated for three days, and each day holds different significance and is marked by rituals. On the first day, April 14, Bihu for cows is celebrated. Cows are bathed and then worshipped. The second day, April 15, it is the humans who celebrate the festival. People dress up, wear new clothes, and savour the celebrations with their loved ones. Young members of the family visit their elders and seek blessings. The third day April 16, is Bihu for the Gods. People in every household worship the idols of God.
"This festival holds much significance in Assam particularly in rural areas. However, we celebrate it in a simple manner for a day in Ahmedabad," said Surya Kumar Barua, president of Assam Cultural Association.
Kerala
Known as: Vishu
Falls on: April 14 - 15
The harvest festival of Kerala, Vishu marks the first day of the Malayalam Panchang. Every year the festival falls on April 14, but this year it falls on April 15. It is believed that the occasion represents the Sun's transit to the Aries (Mesha) raashi and also represents the vernal equinox. Traditionally an elder woman of the family arranges auspicious items in a vessel (Urali), the night before New Year. These items include raw rice, fresh lemon, metal, betel leaves, metal mirrors, coins, and areca nuts among other things. These items are the first things to be seen on the Vishu day after waking up in the morning. "We call it Vishukkani as we consider it auspicious on the first day of the year. We believe we should see good things so that the entire year passes by without any trouble."
Tamil Nadu
Known as: Puthandu
Falls on: April 14
Every year April 14 is celebrated as the first day of the month of the Tamil calendar and is hence observed as New Year. Tamilians believe that Lord Brahma on this day created the world. People greet each other and also congregate at temples to perform poojas together. On this day Tamilians prepare a variety of dishes. "We decorate the entrance of the house with rangoli using rice powder," said V Saroja, member of Ahmedabad Tamil Sangam.
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