Indian Festivals: Eid Ul Fitr in India

Eid-ul-Fitr (breaking of the fast) is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. It is a time of quiet reflection and worship. It is believed that more than 1,300 years ago, in the month of Ramadan, the prophet Muhammad received the Qur’an, the holy book of Muslims. Hence Ramadan is also knows as the ‘month of the Qur’an’.

Jama-Masjid-Delhi,India

Breaking the fast

A few dates and a glass of water is used to break the fast every day. Other foods consumed may vary from platters of fresh fruits, salads, nuts, legumes to fried savouries and kebabs. The meal with which the fast is broken every day is known as ‘iftar’. Iftars are often community gatherings, with people gathering to break their fast together. The meal is shared with family and friends, and it’s common for Muslims to invite non-Muslims over. Iftars in India have grown into mega banquets with politicians and celebrities throwing iftar parties all through the month.

Breaking-Fast-during-eid-ul-fitr

New moon

At the end of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is heralded in with the sighting of the new moon. Most countries rely on news of an official sighting and it is common to see newspaper reports like this one: “Eid to be celebrated on Wednesday, moon spotted”. Since the time of the moon sighting varies according to which part of the world one is in, Eid celebrations can begin on different dates.

The festivities

On Eid day, Muslims gather early morning in mosques or outdoor locations to perform the Eid prayer. After the prayer, new clothes are taken out and visits are made to relatives and friends. Colourful bazaars and malls are full of families doing their last-minute Eid shopping; women apply mehndi (henna) and wear colourful bangles. Children look forward to getting ‘eidi’ (money given by elders to children).

Festivities-shopping-Eid-ul-Fitr

It is common for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends and neighbours on Eid to convey their good wishes. It’s also time for feasting on special Eid delicacies like sheer khurma – a sweet dish prepared with milk, roasted vermicelli and garnished with dry fruits. After a month of fasting, sheer khurma comes like a warm bowl of comfort.

Other mouthwatering items on the menu include biryani, kebabs and korma and the delicious haleem – a meat stew made with lentils. The nihari is another popular dish during Ramadan – a rich stew of goat meat or beef, it is cooked overnight for six to eight hours and served hot early morning. In south India, Muslims break their fast with nonbu kanji, a rich, filling rice dish of porridge consistency, cooked for hours with meat and vegetables.

Eid Hot Spots: Where to celebrate

Eid-ul-Fitr is a public holiday in India and government offices, businesses and schools remain closed. While Eid is celebrated all over India, there are some cities that are well-known for the scale and range of festivities. If you want to get a taste of the real thing, it is best to get an invite to a Muslim household. Here’s a list of places where you can get get a ringside view of Eid celebrations.

• Jama Masjid in New Delhi where huge crowds gather to pray
• Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, another location where people come together for prayer
• Aishbagh Idgah (the biggest prayer ground in the city) in Lucknow
• Dargah Sharif in Ajmer
• The Red Road in Kolkata where thousands of Muslims gather for a community prayer on Eid – it is a sight to behold.
• Agra is another great place to witness Eid festivities. In 2011, the Taj Mahal was opened to all for free for three hours on the occasion of Eid.
• In, Mumbai, the place to be seen at is Mohammad Ali Road. The place comes alive after sunset every day during Ramadan when restaurants in the area stay open all night serving up sumptuous dishes like tikkas, kebabs, hot paya, deep-fried parathas, kheeri and kaleji and stuffed baida rotis.

Indian Festivals: Major Mahotsav's in India

India’s famous fair and festival includes Pushkar Fair,Sonepur Fair and the grand Kumbh Mela are the major attraction of international tourist. These annual Mahotsav display a colorful image of India’s diverse culture,religions,festival,Art and crafts. Famous colorful Mahotsav of India are Ganga Mahotsav of Varanasi,Surjakund Mela,Chhath Mahotsav,Rann Mahotsav of kutch and Taj Mahotsav of Agra.

Maru Mahotsav

The world famous three-day Maru Mahotsav is the rich and colorful Rajasthani folk culture festival held every year in February at Jaisalmer. Maru Mahotsav also known as the Desert Festival is known for its unique events such as camel race,traditional dance performance, and other cultural events of royal Rajasthan.

Maru-mahotsav-Jaisalmer-Rajasthan

Kalinga Mahotsav 

The Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav is a National Festival of Martial art Dance, held every year in the month of February in Orissa. Kalinga Mahotsav is two days long martial dance performance,celebrated to mark the victory of peace over war.

Kalinga-Mahotsav-Bhubneswar-Orrisa

Malabar Mahotsav

The famous Malabar Mahotsav is a dance and music festival held on the beach of Calicut now Kozhikode, the coastal town in Kerala. Malabar Mahotsavam display the traditional Malabar Cultural, rituals and native cuisines.

Malabar-Mahotsav-Kozhikode

Braj Mahotsav

The Braj Mahotsav is a Festival to display the culture, food and the rituals of Braj region of Mathura. Braj Mahotsav celebrate in the honor of Lord Krishna before the Holi festival,the festival of color. Raas Leela is one of the mega event of the Braj Mahotsav along with other performance by folk artists from the region.

Braj-Mahotsav-Mathura-Vrindavan

Bhoramdeo Mahotsav

The Bhoramdeo Mahotsav celebrated in the Bhoramdeo Temple of Lord Shiva at Kawardha in the tribal state Chhattisgarh. Bhoramdeo temple is old Hindu temple located between the dense forests and surrounded by Maikal mountains range, It is also known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. The festival of Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is celebrated every year in the last week of the month of March.

Bhoramdeo-Mahotsav-Kawardha

Van Mahotsav

The Van Mahotsav is annual day to plant trees, celebrated during the first week of month July. Van Mahotsav is celebrated across the India by planting of trees along with small road side events about the forest conservation.

Van-Mahotsav-Madhya-Pradesh

Buddha Mahotsav

The Buddha Mahotsav is a three day long festival of traditional Buddhist Customary and cultural practice, held on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in Arunachal Pradesh. Buddha Mahotsav festival is also celebrated at Bodhgaya,Ladakh,Sarnath and Kushinagar

Buddha-Mahotsav-Tawang

Ganga Mahotsav

The famous Ganga Mahotsav is a five day event held in the cultural capital of India and one of the oldest living city of India,Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi. Ganga Mahotsav reflects the traditional and cultural heritage of the Varanasi at the Ghats of holy river Gange, Every Ghats of Varanasi are lightest with lamps during this annual grand festival celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Poornima.

Ganga-Mahotsav-Varanasi

Raas Mahotsav

The Majuli Raas Mahotsav held every year in November at Howly town in the island of Majuli in Assam. Raas Mahotsav is a place to explore traditions of majuli people and Brahmaputra river culture along with art and crafts, fold dances and color of Assam.

Raas-Mahotsav-Howli

Lucknow Mahotsav

The famous Lucknow Mahotsav organized to promote the Art, Culture and Tourism of Uttar Pradesh. The 10 days long festival is the right destination for traditional dramas, Indian classical Kathak dances, music Gharana along with arts & crafts.

Lucknow-Mahotsav-Lucknow

Rann Mahotsav

The Rann Mahotsav or Rann Utsav of Kutch is a cultural festival of the unique region of Gujarat. Rann Utsav display the true flavor and cultural of the beautiful region of great rann of Kutch through the many cultural events such as Traditional Dance performance, folk songs and Thar desert safari. Rann Mahotsav held every year in November–December month and one of the major event of the Gujarat Tourism campaign Khushboo Gujarat Ki.

Rann-mahotsav-Kutch-Gujarat

Taj Mahotsav

The annual 10 day Mahotsav of Agra held in February near the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra,Uttar Pradesh. Taj Mahotsav brings the opportunity to display works of art,majestic craft work and magnetic performances of the artistes came from different parts of India .

Taj-mahotsav-Agra-Uttarpradesh

Rise Bowl of India - Chhattisgarh - The Tribal State of India

The tribal state also known as “The Rise Bowl of India” was formed on 1 November 2000, by partitioning 16 Chhattisgarhi districts of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is the 10th largest state with an area of 135,190 km, situated in central India. Due to very good irrigation system with big dams and long canals on different mighty rivers,hundreds of varieties of rice are grown in the state so named as Rise Bowl of India. The state is extremely skilled in tribal art,Kosa silk,lost wax art and full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife and exquisitely carved temples. Main attractions of Chhattisgarh are Chitrakot waterfalls, Kutumsar caves, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra, Bambleshwari temple at Dongrigarh, Danteshwari temple in Dantewada and a major Buddhist center in Malhar village. Because of abundant minerals Chhattisgarh is become one of the most important electrical power and steel producing state of India. Today Chhattisgarh is facing some of the big problems of nation such as Naxalism ,Witchcraft and Malnutrition.

Culture: 

Chhattisgarh has a mixed culture, Hinduism is the main religion along with Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The tribal of Chhattisgarh have their distinctive languages, cuisines, music, dance and lifestyle. Chhattisgarhi is the local language used by most of the people lives in village and rural area, they love to converse in this language. The tribal people also known for colorful and unique crafts made from bamboos, jute, clay wood and Dhokra wax art.

Chhattisgarh Culture

People: 

Chhattisgarh synonymous to tribes, It is a tribal dominated state,majority of the population are tribal known as Adivasi. The indigenous people are used to situate their villages near their food and water source, Bastar district of Chhattisgarh has the largest tribal population. About 35 big and small tribes spread all over Chhattisgarh, few of them are Agariya,Birhor, Baiga, Kharia,Pardhan and Gond, The Gond tribes include Asur, Korba, Abhuj Maria, Nagarchi,Gaiki and Badi Maria. The tribal women love to wear ornaments made of cowries, shells, bones, mixed metals, copper and bronze.

Tribal Women Chhattisgarh

Food: 

Chhattisgarhi cuisines are very delicious, rice is one food item that is eaten widely in various ways. Most of the traditional and tribe foods are made of rice and rice flour like Pakhal Bhat,Kosra, Angakar Roti and Rice Flour Chapati. The tribal and village people enjoys native delicacy brew made of small, creamy white fruit of a local tree called Mahuwa. Mahuwa is extremely popular across the width and breadth of Chhattisgarh, other cuisines are rakhia badi and jalebis to bafauri and petha.

Mahua Chhattisgarh

LifeStyle: 

Tribes of Chhattisgarh are unique in their lifestyles and have beautifully retained their own culture and traditions for centuries. The tribal women love to wear ornaments made of cowries, shells, bones, mixed metals, copper and bronze. The livelihoods of thousands of tribal people depend on the forest,river or farming of crops and goat. Raut Nacha is a famous and traditional folk dance of cowherds, Some of the other prominent dance forms are Panthi, Karma, Pandwani and Soowa.

Raut Nacha Chhattisgarh

Festivals: 

The indigenous state has treasure of tribal and non-tribal festivals and fairs,celebrated with great zeal and passion across the state. Festivals and fairs of Chhattisgarh includes Dassera, Goncha, Hareli, Dantewada fair, Champaran Mela and famous Rajim Lochan Mahotsav. The Hareli festival of Chhattisgarh is one of the most important harvest festival praying for good crops, celebrate during the monsoon. There are so many other religious and colorful local festival, celebrated by tribes all round the year.

Festival In Chhattisgarh

Villages: 

There are around 15000 villages in Chhattisgarh and As much as 77 percent population lives in villages. The villages represent a real India, most of the tribes are prevalent in the hill and forest areas of the state. The huts of tribes called as Ghotul, made by bamboo sticks and surrounded by earthen or wooden walls, situated around the water resource. Some of the villages of Chhattisgarh are not connected to the national grid because they are in a remote area or in dense forest. The traditional transport ‘bailgadi’ is used by the villagers for traveling around.

Village In Chhatisgarh

Temples: 

Chhattisgarh tour is incomplete without visiting its ancient temples, located in the hill tops or surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Some of the famous temples in Chhattisgarh are Bambleshwari temple situated at hilltop in Dongargarh, Bhoramdeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by Maikal mountains and dark forests near Kawardha, Chandrahasini Devi temple at Chandrapur, Laxman temple in Mahasamund,Vishnu temple, Champaran in Raipur and the most popular Danteshwari Devi temple situated in Dantewada district at the confluence of the Dankini and Shankini rivers. Devi Danteshwari is the Goddess of tribes as well as other Hindu peoples of entire Bastar region, Best time to visit the temples is during the Bustar Dashera festival season.

Danteshwari Temple Chhattisgarh

Natural Beauty: 

The very young tourist destination of India is still untouched and unexplored. Chhattisgarh offers breathtaking natural beauty blended with rich history, astonishing waterfall, natural caves and dramatic mountain ranges. The Vindhyachal and the Satpura ranges has many beautiful water falls and caves carved temples, such as Chitrakot waterfall Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh waterfall and Akuri Nala, Caves – Gadiya mountain in Kanker district, Kutumsar cave, Jogimara Cave and Kailash Gufa. Other attractions includes incredible hilly regions, river basins, beautiful lakes, densely forested, landscapes and unique tribal populations.

Chitrakot Waterfall Chhattisgarh

Forest: 

The Green State of India has 44% of its area under dense forests, These hill forests have mostly covered with Sagoun,teak and sal other important tree species are bamboo, Mahua, Achar, Amaltas, Amla, jamun and Tendu. Deep jungles of Chhattisgarh is home to a variety of plant,wild animals and very rich in other natural resources. The green virgin forests offer one of the best Eco tourism of the country.

Forest In Chhattisgarh

Wildlife: 

The tribal state has richest bio-diversity areas in the country and full with numerous rare and unique wild animals including endangered species. The 3 national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries offers home to some of the rare wildlife, reptiles and bird species. Indravati national park is one of the finest and most famous national park, others are Kanger valley, Sanjah national park, Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary, Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuary . The wild buffalo is the state animal of Chhatisgarh and endangered hill myna is state bird.

Wildlife In Chhattisgarh

Witchcraft: 

Chhattisgarh people and tribes are still believe in superstition, they branding woman as a witch and belief of practice of witchcraft. There are so many cases of atrocities against women in the name of witchcraft.  In 2005, the Chhattisgarh government passed the Witchcraft (Prevention) Act and committee for elimination of witchcraft was formed but witch hunts still occur today.

Witchcraft Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in India, Apart from the tribal tour and above list there are so many other attraction in Chhattisgarh to visit such as Asia’s second largest catholic church in Kunkuri,Civic Center Bhilai, Kawardha Palace, Ghadi Chowk Raipur,Rajim and Ram Jharna. The list is very long, so lets plan a visit to the most beautiful state of tribal India.

Tribal States of India

Tribes in India: India is a land of multitudinous culture and peoples.Every state of India has its own culture and tradition. The different forms of people found here out numbers any country.There are certain states in India where the number of tribal  population is much more than that of the other states. Due to the presence of these tribes India has receive various flavors and the tribal people are the real treasures of our countries. Major population of tribes are found in Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesha and North East “The Seven Sister States of India. The tribes peoples of India are also know as “Adivasis”. The specific meaning of Adivasis is the original inhabitants of a given region. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands  are also the home for various tribes like The Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese.

Tribes of India

It must be very interesting reading to know tribes peoples and their culture.

Chhattisgarh: 

“Rice bowl of India” This is a newly formed state and situated in situated in the heart of India, it is very well known for its cultural heritage, attractive natural diversity and for tribes community. Tribes of Chhattisgarh are unique in their lifestyles and have beautifully retained their own culture and traditions for centuries. Bastar is the largest tribal district of Chhattishgarh and Gonds tribes Gonds of Bastar being the most prominent among them. The Gond Tribes include the Baiga, Korba, Abhuj Maria, Muria and Dhurvaa tribes.The tribal women love to wear ornaments made of cowries, shells, bones, mixed metals, copper and bronze.

Chhattisgarh tribes peoples

Orissa: 

The number of tribes that reside in Orissa is the highest anywhere in India. Chhattisgarh is the neighbor state of orissa, so Gond and Baiga tribes also found in some part of Orissa. The major tribes of the state are Kondhs, Koyas, Gadabas, Oraon, Juangs and Santals. Tribes of Orissa are very hard worker, they work in mills and plants. The major occupation of tribes are agriculture, fishing or hunting. Bamboo is used to make arts and crafts by the tribe peoples, and these are really very attractive. Tribes women wear a lengthy cloth material that they wrap around themselves, girls are seen with tattoos on their faces. The tribal state also offers best natural beauty in India, sparking waterfalls, magnificent lakes and big dams are the major attraction.

Baiga Girls of orissa

Jharkhand: 

State of tribal peoples, it is one of the most industrialized states of India, including Wildlife Sanctuaries and Forest. The tribes of Jharkhand are expert in making plates made up of Sal leaves joined together by tiny sticks. Kharias are one of the important tribes of Jharkhand, other tribes of Jharkhand are are Baiga, Asur, Santals, Oraons, Mundas and Hos.The tribes of Jharkhand also use bamboo for making baskets,hunting & fishing. Tribal peoples have tattoos called Godna, on their bodies instead of wearing ornaments, Bow and arrow is the symbolic weapon of the tribal of this area.

Tribes of jharkhand

Madhya Pradesh: 

Madhya Pradesh is a medley of ethnic groups and tribes, castes and communities. Tribes of Madhya Pradesh also known for well preserved traditions presented in the form of tribal music and dance. Madhya Pradesh was the largest state in India before the state of Chhattisgarh was carved out. Dhar, Jhabua and Mandla  districts have more than 50 percent tribal population. The main tribal groups in Madhya Pradesh are Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Maximum population is Gond tribes. The Bhils live in the mountain regions in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Bhils are considered as the third largest and most widely distributed tribal groups in India. Bhils tribes also found in some states of Rajsathan.

Traditional bils tribes

North East States: 

Also know as seven sisters of India, The north eastern states of India holds a large number of tribal population. The tribal chiefs enjoying a lot of power and status in the region. The northeastern states comprise thick forest and the virgin land are home of several North east tribal. The main tribes of north east states are Naga, Garo, Khasi, Maram, Tripuri, Reang, Monpas, Bamons. The Naga tribes had social and political links with tribes of Assam. Each tribes is having its own custom, language, dress and jewelery. The main occupation of these tribes is cultivation.

Naga Tribes of NorthEast

KERALA - Major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India

The god’s own country is one of the major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India. The land of God, Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. The pride of Kerala are Gorgeous and Exotic Beaches, Breathtaking hill Stations, Enchanting waterfalls, Beautiful lagoons, Meandering rivers and Amazing natural scenarios. These colors are made Kerala as a land of beauty and paradise on earth. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valley, lush and evergreen rain forest and coconuts water and oil and foods items. Kerala houseboats are first and best preference of the tourist to enjoy their moments in beautiful lakes of Kerala. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam in Periyar river Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. Shopping, museums and markets are also best way to explore Kerala. Follow to visit some of the Best Place in Kerala.

Culture: 

Kerala’s culture is an integral part of Indian culture. The cultural heritage of Kerala are its arts, festivals and dresses. Hindu, Christian and Islam religion found in Kerala and Malayalam is the local language of Kerala. Indian elephants are given a prestigious place in the state culture of Kerala. kathakali and mohiniyaattam are the traditional art of dance in Kerala.

Kathakali Dance Kerala

Lifestyle: 

The people of Kerala are very simple and down to earth people, they love to live in their own world. The Keralites also are very progressive in terms of cleanliness, healthcare and physical quality of life. The elephants are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala. Kerala people are very protective about their religion and ancient practices, rituals and traditions.

Kerala Lifestyle

Villages: 

The villages in Kerala offer a feast to the eyes of the travellers by way of its panoramic view of the fields, farms, hillsides, rivers and lakes. The locals engage in fishing, farming, pottery, jute making and handicrafts. These villages with paddy fields all around and coconut trees are perfect to spend a relaxed holiday. Some of the popular villages are Vavannoor, Udayagiri, Aranmula, Cheppad, Teekoy,etc.

Kerala Paddy fields

Cuisines: 

After the enjoyments, foods are the next thing in mind. Kerala has a rich and unique flavor of foods like Sea foods, malayali cuisines and banana dishes. Kerala is famous for its spices and its spicy recipes of vegetarian and non vegetation food. Best cuisine of Kerala is Meen Curry – Kerala style fish curry made in fried coconut.

Food from Kerala

Festivals: 

Kerala has many colorful festivals and every festival has its own importance. Onam, the annual harvest festival and it is the largest festival celebrated in Kerala. Vallamkali or Snake Boat Races is the traditional boat race in Kerala. This famous water sport marks the end of Onam festival. Pooram Festival, the The main features of the pooram are the decorated elephants. Peoples of Kerala worship elephants and snakes on different festival occasions.

Pooram-Festival-Thrissur

Beaches: 

Sea, Sand and Sun are the gifts given by the god, which makes Kerala the land of most delightful beaches in the world. Kerala Backwaters offers a series of beaches that are perfect for a relaxing time with your love one. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Watch the sunset along with the blue water beaches of Kerala is the best way to end your day and start a romantic night.

Beaches in Kerala

Sports: 

The Exotic Beaches of Kerala are best for surfing, rafting and many more adventures ocean water sports. Kerala is the one of the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling in India. Kerala is also known for its kind of Martial Arts called Kalarippayattu – A new insight into the traditional martial art of Kerala. Mountains climbing, Trekking, camping and kayaking in rippling rivers of kerala are some different types of sport that any one can enjoy. Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are best way to relax and feel fresh after these sports.

Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

Wildlife: 

The Land of God, Kerala has a rich culture in Flora and Fauna. Kerala is the only state in India where highest number of Indian Elephants are found. The best place for wild animals are Silent Valley, Periyar national park and Tiger Reserve,which is situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghat. The land of elephants share their habitat with Panthera, King Cobra and other wild animals.

Periyar-Natioanl-park-Thekkady

Natural beauty: 

Kerala the land of beauty is describes as the favorite child of nature, and famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. Major attraction are includes long coconuts tree, the blue mountain and rivers makes Kerala one of the greenest places ever seen. The beautiful milky falls of water splashing through the rocks should not be miss. Other attraction are Vembanad Lake India’s longest lake, Sasthamkotta lake and Cheruthoni Dam.

Athirappilli waterfalls Kerala

Hill Stations: 

There are many hill stations in Kerala which offers the best spectacular views of the nature. Munnar one of best hill destination in kerala and one of the famous hill station in India. The other beautiful hill stations are Ponmudi,Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad Hill Station. These hill stations of Western ghats are one of the best place for trekking in India.

Munnar Hill Station - Kerala

Various New Year’s Day’s Celebration in India

As per Christian tradition, 1 January celebrated as New Year and India is all set to celebrate this evening in both way, The Goa celebration and other traditional way of celebration. Though India celebrate New Year followed by both solar and lunar calendars system, Most of these new year festivals are celebrated based on Hindu calendar, that’s follow movement of the moon. Culturally rich India has it’s own way to celebrate New Year’s day in different times of the year at different places. Every regions in India follow a different cultures, so traditions of new year’s day celebration also vary.Generally new year is celebrated in different states of India at the time of harvesting of crops, This is the same day which celebrate at other regions of India with different name as Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, Cheiraoba – Manipur and Diwali – Marwari New Year.

Ugadi – Telugu New Year : 

Ugadi symbolizes beginning of an age, celebrated in the state of Karnataka and Andhra pradesh. This festival fall in the month of March–April (Chaitra month ), date always vary because the Hindu calendar follow a different day every year because the Hindu calendar system. It is the festival of new beginning and time to get new clothes and some good food.

Ugadi - Telgu New Year

Gudi Padwa – Marathi New Year: 

Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month and its a New Year day for Maharashtrians and Konkanis. On this day a gudi is found hanging out on the right side of the main entrance of the houses,  Gudi is a bright yellow cloth tied to the tip of a long bamboo and copper pot placed in inverted on it along with a sugar garland.

Gudi Padwa - Marathi New Year

Baisakhi – Punjabi New Year: 

The biggest harvest festival celebrated across North Indian states, especially in the land of Five river’s Punjab. Usually Baisakhi falls on 13th April, and some time on 14th and also celebrated as the day of the formation of the Sikh Khalsa. The main celebration takes place at the birth place of the Khalsa and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, at Talwandi Sabo and can be seen in United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

Baisakhi - Punjabi New Year

Puthandu – Tamil New Year: 

The traditional tamil new year starts on mid-April either on 13 or 14 April, or first day of tamil month Chithirai. People wish each other “Puthandu Vazthukal” which means Happy New Year and Chitterai Thiruvizha is celebrated in the Meenakshi Temple Madurai. The main food of this festival is Mangai Pachadi, made of raw mangoes, jaggery and neem flowers.

Puthandu - Tamil New Year

Bohag Bihu – Assamese New Year: 

The spring festival “Bohag Bihu” celebrated in the middle of april as the beginning season of agriculture. The Assamese new year festival bihu is the most important festival of Assam,celebrated by fun and abundance, faith and belief. There are three bihu festivals in Assam, other two are Maagh and Kaati.

Bohag Bihu - Assami New Year

Pohela Boishakh – Bengali New Year: 

The Nabo Barsho of Bengal is celebrated with great deal of enthusiasm and energy during the mid of April. This is the day of cultural programs, shopping, prayers and also considered as auspicious time for marriages. Pohela Boishakh celebrated by tribal people in hilly areas of Tripura and also in cities of other countries.

Pohela Boishakh - Bangali New Year

Bestu Varas – Gujarati New Year: 

Bestu Varas mark the beginning of the harvest season in Gujrat and therefore is observed with great enthusiasm. It is celebrated as Gujarati New Year on the day after Diwali along with religious rituals and traditions. Marwaris of Rajasthan celebrate Diwali as a new year, the most auspicious day to start new things.

Bestu Varas - Gujrati New Year

Vishu – Malayalam New Year: 

Vishu is similar to the New Year festivals observed elsewhere in India, usually on April 14 of the Gregorian calendar. The most important event of the festival is “Vishukkani” means The first object viewed in the morning. It is one of the most popular traditional celebration festival followed by people of Kerala.

Vishu - Malayalam New Year

Losoong – Sikkimese New Year: 

The Losoong is one of the most popular and old age festival of Sikkim, celebrated on month of December. It marks as the end of harvesting season and the New Year for people of Sikkim. Losoong is also known as ‘Sonam Losar’ the farmer’s new year, Chham dance is one of the major attraction of festival.

Lossong - Sikkimese New Year

Navreh – Kashmiri New Year: 

Navreh the lunar new year is celebrated as new year in Kashmir with great enthusiasm and sanctity. It’s fall on first day of Chaitra Navratri and is regarded as sacred in Kashmir as the Shivratri. It is observed as the New Year’s day in other part of India such as Gaudi Parva,Ugadi and cheti Chand the new year day of Sindhi people.

Navrah - Kashmiri New Year

Hijri – Islamic New Year: 

The Islamic year start on the first day of Muharram, Islamic calendar does not align with the Gregorian calendar so the date for Islamic New Year or muharram vary as per lunar calendar. The New Year is celebrated with long standing customs & traditions for incoming spring.

Hijri - Islamic New Year

Cheti Chand – Sindhi New Year: 

Cheti Chand the sindhi new year is celebrated on the second day of the Chaitra month. It is one of the very auspicious day in Sindhi community as they celebrates the festival to honor of the birth of “Jhulelal”.

Cheti Chand -Sindhi New Year