As the month of Chaitra ushers in the Vasant Ritu (Spring Season), we welcome a series of New Year celebrations across India on March 30. From Navreh in Kashmir to Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Cheti Chand among the Sindhi community, marking the beginning of the luni-solar new year. Around April 14, more new years follow, with Mesha Sankranti bringing Baisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Odisha, Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, and Vishu in Kerala. Despite the regional diversity, the arrival of spring unites these celebrations.
Spring, with its blossoming flowers and vibrant landscapes, feels like a natural beginning. It is also a time of spiritual reflection, with Chaitra Navratri honouring Devi Durga over nine nights, concluding with Ram Navami, the celebration of Lord Rama’s birth on April 6.
Gudi Padwa, celebrated in Maharashtra, involves hoisting Gudis made of bamboo sticks adorned with silk scarves, neem and mango leaves, and topped with a copper pot, symbolising victory and prosperity. Families prepare puran poli and shrikhand, adding sweetness to the day.
In the south, Ugadi marks a new beginning in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The day starts with an oil bath, followed by decorating homes with rangolis and mango leaf garlands. Ugadi pachadi, a dish blending sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours, represents the diverse experiences of life.
The Sindhi community celebrates Cheti Chand to honour Jhulelal, their revered saint. Devotees carry the Bahrana Sahib, a ceremonial offering of flowers, cardamom, sugar candy, and a lamp to water bodies in reverence to Varun Dev.
While these celebrations mark personal joy, they also provide a meaningful opportunity to make sankalpas. Unlike self-centred resolutions, the Indian New Year inspires sankalpas to encourage contributions to the greater good. Supporting education, volunteering, or helping the underprivileged are some of the noble ways to give back to society. Personal well-being is equally important. Embracing practices for physical, mental, and emotional wellness can lead to a fulfilling life. The satisfaction of positively impacting others’ lives is profound, fostering both individual growth and collective harmony. This Vikram Samvat 2082, let’s commit to making Bharatvarsha a better place through our collective commitment to progress!
