India, in a word, is an amalgamation. We are a cluster of ideas, thoughts, and of course religions and communities. Every community and sect of people has something special, including New Years. Now, we all celebrate the New Year as per the Christian calendar on 1st of January. However, being the traditionalist that we are, we also take special pride and celebrate our own New Years, as per our customs. Wondering what they are? Well, here is a list New Year Festivals celebrated in India.
- Ugadi: Ugadi is celebrated with great fervour in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. You will be greeted with traditional rangolis that adorn the doorstep and will see pujas being performed to bring in good luck for the New Year. A delicious traditional lunch on a banana leaf that follows is truly lip-smacking.
- Gudi Padwa: For Maharashtrians and Konkani’s, New Year is celebrated on Gudi Padwa. You will see bright yellow or red cloth tied to the tip of a long bamboo and copper pot placed in inverted on it along with a sugar garland. This is the traditional Gudi, which signifies the coming of the New Year. Then there is the Til Gud or sweets made from roasted sesame seeds.
- Vishu: If you have chosen an India honeymoon package and find yourself in God’s own country in April, then you are in time for Vishu. Celebrated with light and fireworks, it is the most important festival in Kerala. Make sure you treat yourself to a king size meal with the traditional Sadya during Vishu.
- Baisakhi: For the Punjabis and Sikhs, New Year falls on harvest festival of Baisakhi. This colourful festival is full of food, songs, dance, and merriment and is celebrated with great vehemence.
- Puthandu: The Tamil New Year falls during the same time as Baisakhi and Vishu. If you are in Tamil Nadu, make a trip to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. You will definitely be surrounded by grandeur. While you are there, don’t forget to taste some Mangai Pachadi, made of raw mangoes, jaggery, and neem flowers.
- Bihu: Celebrated in Assam, Rongali Bihu is the perfect time to plan an India tour package to Assam. The harvest festival is celebrated with good food, traditional dances, music and festivities that will take your breath away.
- Pohela Boishakh: Pohela Boishakh marks the first day of the Bengali calendar. Considered to be an auspicious time for marriage, you will see homes decorated with rangolis and a meal that consists of fried Hilsa fish, shutki that is dried fish and panta which is leftover rice soaked in water will greet your taste buds.
SOTC’s travel advisors can give all the information about the place you are visiting for your holiday.
Related Post
Amusing Festivals of North East India
Experience Handicrafts and Traditional Shopping during Rann Utsav