Six communities in the city ushered in their New Year on Saturday.
The city on Saturday witnessed grand celebrations by various communities to mark their New Year. While Malayalees across the city welcomed Vishu (their New Year), Bengalis celebrated Poila Baisakh with great fervour. Punjabis celebrated Baisakhi. In fact, gurudwaras across the city will be flooded with devotees for kirtan and langar for three days beginning Friday.
A variety of delicacies were prepared on the day by Malayalees and the traditional rituals were followed early in the morning on Saturday. Every Malayalee household had prepared a traditional 'Vishukani' - an idol of Lord Krishna decorated with auspicious things the night before. The auspicious articles include betel leaf, areca nut, yellow flowers, gold and silver.
Speaking to DNA, general secretary of World Malayalee Council, Gujarat region, Dinesh Nair said, "It is the first thing that we see in the morning, as we believe this is important on the first day of the year."
Traditional Kerala delicacies are prepared like avial (different types of vegetables), elissery (curry of pumpkin and pulses), paaysam (kheer), olan (combination of coconut milk and white pumpkin) and kalan (dish made from elephant foot, coconut and raw bananas). On this day, people prepare and relish around 8-10 varieties of delicacies.
Bengalis celebrated Poila Baisakh with a different style and traditions. The first day of Bengalis is marked by traditional new clothes and touching the feet of the elders of the family. Traditional Bengali sweets like sandesh and variety of other dishes are made on this day.
Thousands of devotees thronged gurudwaras of the city on Saturday morning and evening to participate in the kirtan, katha and hear shaurya gatha.
Speaking to DNA, secretary of Kalgidhar Sewak Jatha, Satnam Singh stated that a kathakaar (one who tells stories) has been called from Punjab. The kathakaar Ranjit Singh told stories of historical significance when the Khalsa Panth was founded in 1699." The Baisakhi celebration will last till Sunday morning when again there will be kirtan, katha and langar for all the devotees.
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