India is a country with a long history, rich culture and diverse traditions. New Year is celebrated at different times of the year depending on the region, religion and local customs. Unlike Western countries, where New Year’s Day falls on January 1, India has several dates and ways of celebrating this event.
New Year according to the Gregorian calendar (January 1)
While the traditional New Year in India is associated with various festivals and lunar calendars, January 1 is also widely celebrated. This holiday is especially popular in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Goa.
On this day, Indians throw parties, gather with friends and family, participate in mass festivities and set off fireworks. Hotels, clubs and restaurants organize special events with live music and dancing.
Traditional Indian New Year celebrations
Diwali is the festival of lights
Diwali for many Hindus symbolizes the beginning of a new year. This holiday is associated with the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is also a time to worship the goddess Lakshmi, the patroness of wealth and prosperity. People believe that the goddess will bless their homes and bring good fortune for the coming year.
Diwali is celebrated throughout India in October or November, with a special celebration in the northern and western regions of the country. For five days, Indians decorate their homes with candles (diyas), lamps and garlands. Mass processions are held, fireworks are set off and sweets are given.
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi
Gudi Padwa is Maharashtra’s New Year, which marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new harvest. The streets are lined with ‘gudi’ – decorated cloths and vessels that symbolize victory and prosperity.
Ugadi is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka in March-April. This festival celebrates spring, renewal and the beginning of a new cycle of life. People prepare traditional dishes such as ugadi pachadi, a mixture of sweet, bitter and sour ingredients symbolizing different aspects of life.
Pongal – harvest festival
Pongal is the Tamil New Year, which is associated with harvest celebrations. The festival takes place in January and lasts for four days, during which time the sun is worshipped and nature is thanked for its bounty. Special attention is paid to the preparation of a special dish, sweet rice with milk, which is cooked in the open air.
Baisakhi – Sikh New Year’s Day
Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab as the Sikh New Year and also as a harvest festival. On this April day, there are colorful carnivals, religious ceremonies at gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and traditional dances such as bhangra and giddha. It is also a time for new beginnings and giving thanks for the harvest.
Vishu – New Year in Kerala
Vishu is the beginning of the astrological year for the people of Kerala. The main tradition is Vishu Kanni, the first sighting of auspicious objects (kanni flowers, fruits, rice and gold), which is believed to bring good luck for the whole year. It is celebrated in April.
Интересные факты о Новом годе в Индии
- Разнообразие дат: Новый год в Индии может отмечаться несколько раз в году в зависимости от региона и религии.
- Многодневные празднования: Некоторые фестивали, такие как Диуали или Понгал, продолжаются несколько дней и включают в себя различные ритуалы.
- Семейные традиции: Новый год в Индии часто проводится в кругу семьи, где выполняются ритуалы поклонения, а затем следуют праздничные ужины и обмен подарками.
- Влияние природы: Многие индийские празднования Нового года связаны с циклами сельскохозяйственных работ и поклонением природе, что отражает важность сельского хозяйства в жизни страны.
- Религиозная составляющая: Новый год часто включает посещение храмов, молитвы и ритуалы, направленные на привлечение удачи и благополучия в наступающем году.
Новый год в Индии — это время радости, обновления и надежд на будущее. Независимо от того, какой календарь или традиция соблюдается, каждая часть страны отмечает это событие по-своему, добавляя яркие краски в общую картину культуры Индии. Путешествие в Индию в перио
