The Hindu New Year is a time of cultural and religious significance that marks the beginning of a new era, spring, and the planting season:
- Auspicious dayThe Hindu New Year is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings, fresh starts, and renewing relationships.
- Symbol of growthThe new year’s correspondence with the waxing moon in the first month of the Hindu year symbolizes growth.
- Creation of the universeAccording to some Hindu texts, the Hindu New Year marks the day the god Brahma created the universe.
- Victorious dayThe Hindu New Year coincides with the day in ancient India when the Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Sakas.
The Hindu New Year is celebrated in a number of ways, including:
- Cleaning: Hindus clean and tidy their homes.
- Feasting: Elaborate feasts are prepared.
- Prayers: Prayers are offered to deities.
- Exchanging gifts: Gifts are exchanged and greetings are exchanged with loved ones.
- Viewing auspicious things: It is believed that viewing joyful and auspicious things first on the new year day brings prosperity and good luck.
The Hindu New Year is celebrated by different names and traditions in different parts of the world, including:
- Ugadi – Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, and known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa.
- Puthandu – The Chithiraikani or Vishukkani tray is prepared and elders light lamps and wake up juniors in the family.
- Navreh Thaal – A platter is filled with rice, bread, curd, salt, sugar, walnuts, a pen, a silver coin, flowers, and Nechi Patri, which is the name for their calendar.
- Cheiraoba – A celebration by the people of Manipur that involves mounds of rice, currency, fruits, flowers, a candle, and an incense stick.