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Indian New Year: A journey through Bihu, Vaisakhi, and more
Every year, the festivals fall on April 13 or April 14, based on the Hindu or Sikh Calendar.
Representative image / Image- Wikipedia
As the calendar flips its pages to mark the onset of mid-April, India finds itself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors, traditions, and festivities. With the arrival of the New Year, the Eastern, Northern, and Southern regions of India unite in celebration, paying homage to their rich cultural heritage.
From the vibrant streets of Kolkata to the serene landscapes of Kerala, the nation gears up to welcome the first harvest festivals of the year - Baisakhi, Bihu, Vishu, Poila Boishak, and Puthandu. Every year, the festivals fall on April 13 or April 14, based on the Hindu or Sikh Calendar.
In a display of solidarity and respect for India's cultural heritage, world leaders have extended their warm wishes to those celebrating the New Year. Indian President Drapadi Murmi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, among others, have conveyed their heartfelt greetings, underscoring the significance of these festivals in fostering cultural pride and inclusivity.
Baisakhi: Punjabi New year
Image- Wikipedia / RepresentativeOn April 13, the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Delhi reverberated with the joyous celebrations of Baisakhi. This auspicious day holds deep religious significance for the Sikh community, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Amidst traditional folk songs and the rhythmic beats of the dhol, communities come together to perform bhangra (Punjabi folk dance) and gidda (Punjabi folk dance), rejoicing in the spirit of camaraderie and gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
Vishu: Malayalam New year
Image- Wikipedia / Representative
On April 14, Kerala will awaken to the vibrant festivities of Vishu, the Malayalam New Year. Homes are adorned with colorful kolams (traditional floor art), and the air is filled with the aroma of traditional delicacies. Devotees throng to temples in the early hours to seek the blessings of the divine during the 'Vishukkani Kazhcha,' (a tradition involving the exchange of gifts, particularly among younger family members, to celebrate a special occasion) marking the auspicious beginning of the year ahead.
Bihu: Assamese New year
Image- Wikipedia / Representative ImageFrom April 14 to 20, Assam resonates with the jubilant festivities of Bihu, the harvest festival that marks the Assamese New Year. Amidst the verdant landscapes, communities come together to perform the traditional Bihu dance, celebrating the abundance of nature and the timeless bond between man and land.
Puthandu: Tamil New Year
Image- Wikipedia / Representative ImageTamil Nadu welcomes the Tamil New Year, known as Puthandu, on April 14. Families gather to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. The day is marked by the exchange of sweets, gifts, and greetings, symbolizing the renewal of hope and optimism.
Poila Boishakh: Bengali New Year
Image- Wikipedia / Representative imageIn West Bengal, April 14 heralds the grand celebration of Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. From intricate rangolis to melodious strains of Rabindra Sangeet (songs by Rabindranath Tagore), every corner of the state is adorned in festive splendor. Families come together to revel in the joy of new beginnings, they visit fairs and indulge in elaborate feasts reaffirming their cultural identity.
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