The new year is celebrated across the country in different ways – some states follow the solar calendar while others rely on lunar dates. This day also marks the beginning of spring and the end of harvest season as a new one begins. Known by different names in different parts of the country, Hindu New Year is celebrated with much fervour across different regions and we are offering you a glimpse of these festivities here.

Baisakhi in Punjab

Punjab celebrates Baisakhi – a festival of harvest with a lot of enthusiasm. It is also the beginning of a new year and considered a very holy day with devout people waking up early in the morning and taking a dip in the river. People wear new clothes and celebrate by performing bhangra and gidda dance. The Sikhs visit gurudwaras where a langar or community lunch is organised. At home special food like coconut laddoo, dry fruit kheer, til gajak and wheat flour laddoos are prepared. In the evening, people take part in the Baisakhi procession, singing devotional songs and visit the village fairs with their families.

Rongali Bihu in Assam

The new year or the first day of Hindu Calendar is known as Rongali or Bohag Bihu in Assam. It is also the day of harvest celebrated in the month of April for seven days. People feast on pitha or rice cakes and make merry. Men and women sing bihu songs and dance together. Farmers start preparing their fields for cultivation of paddy. People wear new clothes and elders give their blessings to youngsters.

Vishu in Kerala

The first day of Malayalam calendar is celebrated as Vishu in Kerala and Vishukkani is the highlight of this day which literally means “first thing to be seen on Vishu day”. The Vishukkani arrangement is made in the puja room with idol of Lord Krishna, mirror, rice, betel leaves, betel nuts, money. Gold coins as well as flowers and lamps. Early morning, a person lights up the lamps of Vishukkani and leads all other members of family to it with their eyes closed. It is believed to bring luck and prosperity. People wear new clothes and money or gifts are distributed to the poor, servants and children.

Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra & Goa

Hindus in the Konkan region celebrate their new year as Gudi Padwa. Gudi means Brahma’s flag which is worshipped and hoisted on the window of right side of the main gate as a symbol of victory of good over evil. Padwa means the first day after moonless night. It is believed that Brahma created the world on this auspicious day. People prepare Gudi by tying a bright green or yellow cloth to bamboo stick along with some neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of flowers. Rangoli is drawn in front of the Gudi, special dishes are prepared and prasad made of neem leaves, ajwain, jaggery and tamarind is offered to Gods and then consumed by everyone.

Puthandu in Tamil Nadu

The Hindu New Year is celebrated as Puthandu Pirappu and starts with drawing a colourful kolam or rangoli in front of the house and a lamp is kept in the middle. Early in the morning, family members wake up and the first thing they see is the Kanni. This tradition is quite similar to Vishu Kanni of Kerala. People wear new clothes, wish each other and exchange gifts. Special dishes are prepared at home. Many temples organise special festivals visited by thousands of people. 

Cheti Chand in Sindh Region

Sindhis celebrate their new year as Cheti Chand in honour of birth of Varuna – the God of water. People also worship the patron saint Jhulelal on this day and distribute food and clothes to the underprivileged. Ritualistic fairs are held where people sing and dance to folk songs. Every Sindhi household makes a symbolic idol of their god, known as Bahrana Sahib, and worship it for forty days and avoid eating garlic, non-vegetarian food, onion etc. in this duration. On the 41st day, the idol of Bahrana Sahib is immersed in water and the day is celebrated with much pomp and excitement.

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