Hindu New Year 2014

Hindu calendar system is a very ancient one. However it has undergone several changes from time to time. The pattern that is followed in a Hindu calendar is a luni-solar one. Another thing that plays a vital role in calculating the dates and observing any festivity including New Year is the panchanga or panjika or almanac.

The almanac forms an important and integral part of Hindu lifestyle especially for calculating dates for events and festivals. Now this calendar system varies from the modern day calculations as observed in the Gregorian calendar. As such, when Hindu New Years are plotted against the Gregorian calendar the dates keep varying from year to year.

Also the dates of Hindu New Year celebrations differ from one region to the other. As such, when we discuss about Hindu New Year dates in the year 2014 we shall have to touch upon multiple festivities celebrated by different communities. But the basic gist of the New Year celebrations remains the same. People always pray so that all evils go away and observe rituals to usher in good luck and prosperity. It is the time to consciously make virtue win over vices.

Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are typically worshipped on this occasion for they are believed to bless with luck and prosperity. Spring cleaning homes is also a mandate. People also decorate homes and businesses. Prayers are often organized at business organizations too. People also wear new clothes, visit family and friends to exchange gifts, greetings and sweets, and cook special traditional meals to mark the occasion.

Hindu New Year celebrations in different regions are discussed below. However, the fact remains that although the customs, traditions and dates vary from region to region, the basic principle behind the celebrations remain the same – to start afresh adhering to the principles of good faith, virtue and be blessed in turn with happiness and contentment.

    Punjab – Baisakhi – Monday, April 14: Apart from marking the New Year, this day is also celebrated as the harvest festival of Punjab. The custom originated due to the fact that Punjab has rich farming traditions and farmers in Punjab have been always blessed with prosperity and good harvest. On this occasion, it is time to thank God for the good harvest. The celebrations of Baisakhi are as colorful as the other festivals of Punjab. Joyous wishes of “Jatta aayi Baisakhi” build the celebratory mood. People deck up in colorful new attires and Bhangra dancing is also a tradition.

    Assam - Rongali Bihu – Tuesday, April 15: This is celebrated in the Asamese month of Bohaag which coincides with a date in the middle of April according to the Gregorian calendar. This not only marks the New Year for the State, but also marks the beginning of Spring season for the State. Rong literally means color, and the Assamese people celebrate the occasion with robust enthusiasm. Traditional dancing accompanied my songs is a mandate observed in this festival.

    Bengal - Naba Barsha – Monday, April 14: In Bengal, the first day of the Hindu month of Baisakh is celebrated as the New Year. The day is considered very auspicious for new beginnings and many business ventures worship Lord Ganesha or Goddess Lakshmi on this day to be blessed with prosperity. A common belief is that the way you spend the first day of the year will mark how you shall spend the rest of the year. As such people clean and decorate homes, wear new clothes, pay respect to elders, meet near and dear ones, and enjoy celebratory meals with friends and family.

    Tamil Nadu – Puthandu – Monday, April 14: This is celebrated on the first day according to the Tamil month of Chithirai. It is considered to be an opportunity to set aside all darkness and welcome rays of new hope and light. To signify that, an oil lamp is lit. Traditions also include sighting things that are considered auspicious. This sighting is believed to usher in prosperity.

    Kerala – Vishu – Monday, April 14: This is celebrated on the Malayalam month of Medam. This day is celebrated with prayers. Also special offerings are made to the deities that are known as Vishukanni. The tradition is to see Vishukanni the first thing in the morning for it is believed to bring in good luck.

    Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka – Ugadi – Monday, March 31: This festival is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra. The word Ugadi literally means “New Age”. According to the local belief, the Universe was created by Lord Brahma on this day. People start the day with a customary oil-bath shower, after which they participate in prayer ceremonies. Family gatherings and sumptuous meals uphold the festive spirits.

    Maharashtra – Gudi Padwa – Monday, March 31: This is celebrated in the Indian month of Chaitra. Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra. People of the region believe that it is on this day Lord Brahma created the Universe. As such, they have marked this day to be the beginning of the New Year. They also believe that this is the day when Lord Rama returned home after defeating and slaying the Demon King Ravana. As such the day also upholds the spirit of the good over the bad. Tradition includes putting a gudi or banner elevated that envelops a metal pot in silk cloth and has the Swastika symbol on it.

    Kashmir – Navreh -- Monday, March 31: In Kashmir the traditional New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar month of Chaitra. This day has its origin established in the ancient scriptures like Rajtarangini and Nilamat Purana.

    Orissa – Maha Vishuva Sankranti – Monday, April 14: This is the traditional New Year day of Orissa. On this day people worship deities praying for good luck and prosperity. Traditional custom includes making an offering of a fruit based drink to the Gods that is known as pana.