The Maratha New Year is celebrated predominantly by the people of Maharashtra and Goa.

The festival marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus and commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana. It is symbolised by the hoisting of the Gudi, a bright cloth tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which neem leaves, a garland of flowers and sugar crystals are tied. The day begins with oil baths, followed by prayers. Rangoli decorations outside homes and the preparation of festive dishes like Puran Poli are integral to the celebrations.

In today’s fast-paced world, Gudi Padwa reminds us of the importance of family ties, tradition, and the joy of togetherness. It encourages people to take a break from their hectic lives to celebrate the essence of life and new beginnings.

The Deccan New Year is celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Ugadi (Yugadi) marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit. It is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe. The festival is celebrated by cleaning the house, making colourful Rangolis, and preparing a special dish called Ugadi Pachadi, a mixture of six tastes, each symbolising a different aspect of life.

Ugadi teaches the importance of embracing all facets of life, reflecting on the past, and making positive changes for the year ahead. It’s a day of self-reflection, setting goals, and celebrating the bittersweet nature of life.

The Sindhi community celebrates the Sindhi New Year.

Cheti Chand marks the arrival of the new moon of Chaitra. It celebrates the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis. On this day, Sindhis perform rituals by the river, participate in processions and pray for prosperity and well-being.

Cheti Chand reinforces the values of community, faith, and the preservation of culture among Sindhis worldwide, promoting unity and cultural pride among the younger generations.

The people of Manipur celebrate the Meitei New Year.

Also known as Meitei Cheiraoba, this festival marks the Meitei New Year and is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes, preparing special feasts, and climbing nearby hills, a practice believed to bring closer to the divine and ensure well-being.

Sajibu Nongma Panba is a time for renewal and strengthening familial bonds. It reminds us to respect nature, embrace our cultural heritage, and foster community well-being.

The Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates the Kashmiri New Year.

Navreh coincides with the first day of the Chaitra Navratri. The festival begins with the sighting of the new moon at night and is followed by the ritual of seeing a filled thaal (plate) first thing in the morning. The thaal contains items like rice, yogurt, a pen, a mirror, and some currency, symbolising prosperity.

Navreh highlights the Kashmiri Pandit community’s resilience and connection to their roots and traditions, emphasising the importance of cultural identity and family values.

Tamils celebrate the Tamil New Year in Tamil Nadu and worldwide.

Puthandu marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar. Festivities include drawing Kolam (rangoli) designs, visiting temples, and preparing a feast that features the traditional ‘mango pachadi’. The dish, made from neem flowers and jaggery, represents life’s diverse experiences.

Puthandu serves as a reminder to embrace new beginnings, cherish cultural heritage, and the importance of balancing life’s sweet and bitter moments.

Keralites and the Malayali community celebrate the Malayalam New Year.

Vishu signifies the astronomical New Year’s Day in Kerala. The main ritual on Vishu is the ‘Vishukkani’, which means “the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up.” The Vishukkani setup consists of auspicious items like rice, fruits and vegetables, betel leaves, areca nuts, a metal mirror, yellow flowers called konna, and holy text and coins in a bell-shaped metal vessel called uruli.

Vishu is a symbol of hope and prosperity, emphasising the significance of nature in our lives and the importance of a positive outlook toward the future.

The Mithila New Year is celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal.

Jur Sital marks the New Year in the Maithili calendar. The day is marked by the ritual of taking a holy bath, wearing new clothes, and preparing traditional foods. Families visit temples and participate in cultural programs.

Jur Sital strengthens community ties, showcases the rich Maithili culture, and fosters a sense of pride among younger generations in their ancestral heritage.