When Hindu New Year Day is Celebrated?

Asked 23-Mar-2023
Viewed 147 times

0

When Hindu New Year is Celebrated and How it is different than 1 Jan


1 Answer


0

Hindu New Year Day, also known as "Hindu Vikram Samvat" is celebrated on various dates depending on the region and tradition followed. However, the most widely celebrated day is known as "Chaitra Shukla Pratipada" which usually falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar. This day marks the beginning of the new year according to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.

When Hindu New Year Day is Celebrated

The Hindu lunar calendar, known as "Panchangam," is based on the phases of the moon and has a cycle of 12 lunar months. The first day of the first month is known as "Chaitra," which usually falls in March or April. This day is considered auspicious, and many Hindus celebrate it with great fervor.

The Hindu New Year is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In Northern India, the day is celebrated as "Nav Varsh," meaning new year, with great enthusiasm. People clean their homes, decorate them with flowers, and wear new clothes. They visit temples, offer prayers, and seek blessings from the deities.

In some parts of India, the Hindu New Year is celebrated as "Ugadi," which means the beginning of a new era. This day is celebrated with great fervor in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. People decorate their homes with mango leaves and rangolis, which are colorful patterns made on the floor using colored powders. Special dishes like "pachadi," a mixture of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors, are prepared and shared with family and friends.

In Maharashtra, the Hindu New Year is celebrated as "Gudi Padwa." On this day, people hoist a "gudi," which is a stick adorned with flowers, and a silk cloth, on their homes to symbolize the victory of good over evil. People wear traditional attire and prepare special dishes like "puran poli," a sweet flatbread made with lentil and jaggery filling.

Also Read: Why Hindu New Year's Day is different than 1 Jan?

In Punjab, the Hindu New Year is celebrated as "Baisakhi," which marks the harvest festival and the beginning of the new year. People offer prayers, sing and dance to traditional music, and prepare special dishes like "halwa puri," a sweet semolina dish served with fried bread.

The Hindu New Year is also celebrated in other countries like Nepal, where it is known as "Navavarsha," and Bali, where it is celebrated as "Nyepi." In Nepal, the day is celebrated with colorful processions, feasts, and religious ceremonies. In Bali, the day is observed as a day of silence and self-reflection, where people do not leave their homes or engage in any activity that can disturb the peace.

In conclusion, the Hindu New Year is celebrated on various dates and in different ways depending on the region and tradition followed. However, the underlying significance of the day remains the same, which is to welcome the new year with enthusiasm and seek blessings for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.