In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Indian New Year's days, analyzing its impact on today's society and its relevance in various aspects of daily life. From its origins to its influence today, Indian New Year's days has played a crucial role in shaping the world we inhabit. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will examine its implications in different spheres, from politics and economics to culture and technology. Likewise, we will delve into lesser-known aspects of Indian New Year's days, revealing new perspectives that will allow us to better understand its importance in the current context. Through this journey, we aim to offer the reader a broad and enriching vision of Indian New Year's days, inviting them to reflect on its role in the contemporary world.
There are numerous days throughout the year celebrated as New Year's Day in the different regions of India. The observance is determined by whether the lunar, solar or lunisolar calendar is being followed. Those regions which follow the Solar calendar, the new year falls as Baisakhi in Punjab, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, Pana Sankranti or Odia Nababarsa in Odisha and Poila Boishakh in Bengal in the month of the calendar, i.e., Vaishakha. Generally, this day falls during 14th or 15th of the month of April. Those following Lunar calendar consider the month of Chaitra (corresponding to March-April) as the first month of the year, so the new year is celebrated on the first day of this month like Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. Similarly, few regions in India consider the period between consecutive Sankarantis as one month and few others take the period between consecutive Purnimas as a month. In Gujarat the new year is celebrated as the day after Diwali. As per the Hindu Calendar, it falls on Shukla Paksha Pratipada in the Hindu month of Kartik. As per the Indian Calendar based on Lunar Cycle, Kartik is the first month of the year and the New Year in Gujarat falls on the first bright day of Kartik (Ekam). In other parts of India, New Year Celebrations begin in the spring.
Calendar | Date | Festival name | Region / Communities / Religions |
---|---|---|---|
Solar | 1 Chet (14 April) | Vaisakhi | Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and parts of Delhi |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Chaitra Navaratri (Hindu Lunar New Year) |
Bihar (Bhojpur, Magadh), Uttar Pradesh (Awadh, Braj, Bagelkhand, Bhojpur-Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Kannauj, Rohilkhand), Madhya Pradesh (Bagelkhand, Bundelkhand, Malwa, Mahakoshal, Gird), Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand , and parts of Delhi |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Ugadi | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, parts of Goa |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra, Goa (Konkan) |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Navreh | Kashmir |
Lunar | varies, Jun/Jul | Ashadhi Bij | Kutch |
Lunar | varies, Oct/Nov | Nutan Varsh | Gujarat |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Cheti Chand | Sindh, Sindhi Hindus |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 April | Mesha Sankranti (Hindu Solar New Year) |
Uttarakhand (Garhwal and Kumaon), Nepalis (Sikkim, Darjeeling) |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 April | Puthandu | Tamil Nadu |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 April | Vishu (traditional) |
Kerala |
fixed, 17/18 August | 1st Chingam (Kollam era calendar) | ||
Solar | fixed, 14/15 April | Bisu Parba | Tulu Nadu |
Lunar | varies, Mar/Apr | Sajibu Cheiraoba | Manipur |
Solar | fixed, 14/15 Apr | Buisu | Tripura |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 Apr | Bwisagu | Bodoland, Assam |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 April | Bohag Bihu | Assam |
Solar | fixed, 13/14 April | Pana Sankranti | Odisha |
Solar | fixed, 14/15 April | Pahela Baishakh | West Bengal and the wider Bengal region |
Solar | fixed, 13/14/15 April | Jur Sital | Mithila |
Lunar | varies, Dec | Losoong/Namsoong | Sikkim (Bhutia, Lepcha) |
Lunar | varies, Feb | Losar | Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh (Monpa) |
Lunar | varies, Oct/Nov | Mha Puja | Sikkim (Newar) |
Lunar | varies, Feb/Mar | Gyalpo Lhosar | Sikkim (Sherpa) |
Lunar | varies, Dec/Jan | Tamu Lhosar | Sikkim (Gurung) |
Lunar | varies, Jan/Feb | Sonam Lhosar | Sikkim (Tamang) |
Solar | fixed, 13/14 Apr | Sangken | Arunachal Pradesh (Khamti, Singpho, Khamyang, Tangsa), Assam (Tai Phake, Tai Aiton, Turung) |
Solar | fixed, 13/14 Apr | Bizhu | Chakma |
Solar | varies, 17, 18, 19 Aug | Pateti | Parsis |
Solar | fixed, 21 March | Nowruz[note 1] | Iranis/other Zoroastrians |