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The distinctly rich cultural traditions
of India vary as per the geographical
locations. India’s vast diversity
is replete with centuries old culture,
traditions, ethos, and customs. 'India's
unity lies in its diversity' and is
clear, seeing the vivid panorama of
traditions, evident at the Dawn of
New Year celebrations, welcoming springtime
festivities and adding richness to
the India way of life.
Ugadi Traditions
People of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
begin New Year preparations a week
before the festival. All family members
and friends sit together for traditional
sauce called ‘Ugadi Pachchadi’
paste made of neem leaves, jaggery
and raw mango. It’s bitter sweet
taste signals that life means happiness
and disappointments. All the experience
must be treated equally. People visit
temples and offers prayer to God for
well-being and prosperity, chant mantras
and listen to ‘Panchanga Sravanam’.
Puthandu Traditions
In Tamil Nadu people rise early on
New Year’s morning and gather
around the household altar for a special
religious ceremony. Entrance of the
house is designed in beautiful ‘kolam’
patterns and the center is decorated
with a lamp called ‘kuthuvillakku’
to dispel darkness. Lord Ganesha is
worshipped and offered fruits, flowers
and sweets followed by a popular tradition
‘Kanni’ which means auspicious
sight. People start Puthandu day watching
auspicious things like gold, silver,
betal leaves and nuts.
Gudi Padwa Traditions
Maharashtrians celebrate New Year
on the first day of new moon and is
known as ‘Gudi Padwa’ meaning
‘flag hoisting first day’.
Families hold their religious ceremonies
early in the morning, at which Almanac
is read out, containing the horoscope
of New Year. People pay a visit to
the temples and offer garlands of
flower and vermilion. The day’s
festivity begins by eating bittersweet
chutney of the neem leaves.
Naba Barsha Traditions
Bengalis wear flower garlands made
of white daisies, pink roses, purple
hibiscus and yellow marigolds around
their wrists and neck during religious
ceremonies and offer prayers to goddess
of wealth. Traditional people of Kerala
follow interesting custom ‘Vishukani
or ‘Kani Kanal’ (first sight).
Ladies prepare ‘Vishukani’
with items including a cadjan leaf
book, gold ornaments, fresh white
cloth, flowers of the Konna tree halved
jack fruits, halved coconuts and yellow
cucumber in a big along with bell
metal mirror and a garlanded deity
of Lord Krishna. On Vishu morning,
it’s the first thing to be seen
by family members.
New Year traditions vary, based on
the geographic locations. But the
essence for mirth and joy forms the
core elements of the New Year celebrations.
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