India’s cultural diversity can be seen shining brightly in April as different regions celebrate their traditional new year. The country is gearing up to celebrate the traditional New Year: Vishu, Puthandu, and Baisakhi, all around the same time. While they are all traditional New Year’s, each of these reflects unique traditions and regional identities. So here’s a respectful comparison of India’s April New Year festivals to understand the significance and rituals better.
All About Regional New Year India (April)
India’s April New Year Festivals
In many Indian calendars, April marks the traditional solar and lunar New Year for many Indian regions. This is based completely on the transition of the sun into Aries or Mesha Sankranti. The multiple regional celebrations are a result of this astronomical event. This includes Vishu celebrations in Kerala, Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab, and Puthandu celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
Vishu: Malayalam New Year
Vishu is the traditional New Year celebration of the Malayalis in Kerala. This festival celebrates the beginning of spring in Kerala, marking the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox is basically the time of the year when the duration of day and night is equal. Vishu talks about the same balance between darkness and light.
This year, Vishu will be celebrated on the 14th of April, marking the first day of the Malayalam month. It also highlights the bounty of nature and the harvest season. According to the Hindu scriptures, this day marks teh return of Lord Surya after Ravana’s defeat as he had not allowed it to rise.
The festival is celebrated by following various rituals:
Kani: People view Kani (an arrangement of auspicious items like a mirror, fruits, flowers, rice, and gold) first thing in the morning. This is done to welcome prosperity and good luck on the first day of the new year.
Kodi: People take a bath and wear new clothes, or Kodi to celebrate the new year with their friends and family members.
Kainettam: Elder people in the house give money or gifts and blessings to the younger ones.
Sadhya: No Vishu celebration can ever be complete without Vishu Sadhya. Sadhya is a grand, traditional vegetarian feast that is served on a banana leaf. It consists of about 20 to 30 delicious dishes combining all the 4 tastes (sour, bitter, sweet, and salty).
Puthandu: Tamil New Year
Puthandu is the traditional New Year celebration of the Tamilians in Tamil Nadu. The festival marks the first day of the Tamil month, Chithirai. It celebrates the beginning of the agricultural season with families coming together to participate in teh celebrations.
This year, Puthandu will be celebrated on the 14th of April, marking the beginning of a new calendar-year for Tamilians. According to the Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the day when Lord Brahma created the entire universe. Another scripture mentions that on this day, Lord Indra had come down to Earth to bring hope, happiness, and peace.
The festival is celebrated by following various rituals:
Kanni: People wake up and view Kanni (an arrangement of auspicious items like fruits, gold or silver, betel leaves, flowers, and a mirror) first thing in the morning.
Bathing: Tamilians wake up early in the morning and use oil, turmeric, and other herbs to cleanse themselves for the new beginnings.
Kolam: The houses are cleaned, decorated, and a rice flour kolam is drawn right outside the door.
Mangai Pachadi: This is a special dish prepared on Puthandu. It consists of four flavors like sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, symbolising life’s various experiences.
Baisakhi: Punjabi New Year
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is known as the traditional New Year celebration of the Punjabis in Punjab. The festival marks the first day of the Nanakshahi calendar’s first month, Vaishakh. It celebrates the formation of the Khalsa and also gratitude for the harvest.
This year, Baisakhi will be celebrated on the 14th of April, marking the beginning of a new calendar-year for Punjabis. It is a very important and sacred day for the Sikh community, as on this day, Guru Gobind Singh ji created the Khalsa Panth in 1699. This creation gave Sikhs distinct identity and sense of unity which is continued even today.
The festival is celebrated by following various rituals:
Holy Dip: People take a holy dip in the holy rivers or tanks to mark this auspicious day.
Visiting Gurudwara: They visit Gurudwara to seek the blessings of their guru, listen to Gurbani, and also offer service.
Nagar Kirtaan: Nagar Kirtaan is a religious procession that commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa Panth.
Seva: People visit the Gurudwara and offer their seva in the langar in either preparing or serving food.
Similarities Between April New Year festivals India
There are many similarities between these three Mesha Sankranti festivals in India. All these three festivals mark the beginning of a new year in their respective calendars. All these celebrations are largely based on the solar calendar transitions. They all focus on family gatherings and celebrating the festival together. These festivals are a symbol of prosperity and gratitude towards the harvest.
Summing Up
Vishu, Baisakhi, and Puthandu are all new year celebrations celebrated in different parts of India in April. Though they have some different rituals and cultural significance, these three festivals are known for their community celebrations and gratitude towards nature and its bounty.
