CULTURAL BELIEFS:
As per various Indian traditions just after Hindu New Year i.e. Vikram Samavant 2081 starts many Indian states start celebrations of their upcoming traditional New Years which are as under:
- Baisakhi- Punjabi New Year
- Puthandu – Tamil New Year
- Pohela Boishakh – Bengal New Year
- Vishu – Malyalam New Year
- Bohag Bihu – Assamese New Year
- Pana Sankranti – Odisha New Year
WAYS OF CELEBRATION:
Every state has its own way of Celebration. Baisakhi marks ripening of crops and people of villages perform folk dances like Bhangra and Gidhha to express their happiness. While Puthandu is celebrated by way of gift giving and visiting homes. Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with processions and fairs while Vishu is celebrated like Diwali i.e. Decorating lights and bursting crackers. Bohag Bihu is celebrated by singing folk songs and Pana Sankranti in Odisha is celebrated by Pooja, processions, eating sattu and Macha Jhola.
ONGOING AND UPCOMING FESTIVALS:
Right Now India is celebrating Navratris (nine nights). As per Hindu beliefs all 9 avtars of Mata Durga are worshipped each day and ending of this nine day long fest ends with Ram Navmi which marks birth of Bhagwaan Ram who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Whole of India from every state is excited for Ram Navmi. This year with the inauguration of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya the excitement for 17 April 2024 is almost double.
OTHER IMPORTANCE OF THIS DAY:
14 April 2024 also marks birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar also known as father of Indian Constitution who had immense contribution if drafting the Constitution of India and reserved the rights of untouchables by providing them Reservation in Govt. Fields and making their social and economic condition stronger.
SUMMARY:
Celebrating so many new years on a single day marks the “Unity in Diversity” of our colourful country. This embarks sense of common respect for all groups and race without any discrimination on any basis and sense of equality among all citizens of the country. Overall this is the beauty of our country which is rarely seen around the globe.
-Samyak Jain