Celebrated in Maharashtra as GudiPadwa, the Hindu new year is observed in almost every other state with a different name. The dates, however, coincide. Up to April 15, various communities in the city would be observing rituals to mark their new year.
On the same day as Gudi Padwa is Ugadi, for those who hail from Andhra and Karnataka. "I look forward to this day since among us it is a must to buy new clothes for girls," says Harini Kota, a third-year student of architecture. Decorating the house with a floral toran and making rangoli made with rice powder is a must in every Andhra home. "We prepare sweet and sour chutney by mixing jaggery syrup, fresh neem leaves, raw mango and tamarind juice. This is given to every member of the family," she says.
On April 14 is Puthandu and Vishu, which are Tamil and Malayalam new year respectively. "The day is marked by bringing into the house fresh fruits, vegetables and coconut, and decorating the house with scented flowers," says musician Geetha Sharma. "Two special pachidis are prepared this day. The sacred one is made by mixing burned neem leaves with jaggery and raw mango. The other is had with the meal, and is a dahi pachadi made by mixing cucumber with curd." The rituals also include worshipping of the Tamil Panchang along with the deities.
"In Kerala, we celebrate Vishu with the boom of crackers," says dance teacher Ratnam Janardan. "But the highlight in every Malayalam home is the flower bedecked altar, where a photo or idol of Krishna is kept. We place a tray loaded with yellow flowers, coins and fruits, and see it first thing in the morning. What delights the younger family members is that they get money from elders on this day," says Janardan.
Geographically they may be the two ends of India, but Navreh or Kashmiri new year celebrations are very similar to those of the Malayalees. "In a plate, we place rice, flowers, coin, dahi, roti, a photo or idol of a deity, and a pen and cover it with a cloth. The next day in the morning we see this plate first and also write a chant with the pen," says city businessman Avinash Kachroo. As the day marks the beginning of Navratra, Kashmiris observe nine-day fast starting this day.
Observed as a day to worship Jhulelal, the water god, Cheti Chand or the Sindhi new year falls on April 12 this year. "Many traders in Mahal area take out a scooter rally around the Gandhisagar lake," says Chandra Butwani of Satyam Hotel, Jaripatka. "We perform arti of our Lord Jhulelal at the temple." The day is not about feasting, but distribution of food to the needy, says Butwani.
For the aesthetically oriented Bengalis, Pohela Boishakh is a day marked with dance and music. "This day is important for the business class, as they begin their new account books after performing puja of Laxmi and Ganesh," says Pratishtha Sarkar, an insurance trainer. The homes are decorated with flowers and alpana, the rice powder rangoli made in Bengal.
Also celebrating Baisakhi on April 14{+ }is the Punjabi community in the city. "It is not the new year, but a harvest festival," says city businessman Harmeet Singh. Baisakhi is celebrated by offering prayers in the gurdwara followed by the community feast, langar. "The cultural events on this day are held by community clubs and association," adds Singh.