Ashadhi Bij
Why in News
The Prime Minister has greeted the people on the special occasion of Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year.
Key Points
- Ashadhi Bij falls on the second day of Shukla paksha of Ashada month of Hindu calendar.
- The festival is associated with the beginning of rains in the Kutch region of Gujarat.
- During Ashadhi Bij, the moisture in the atmosphere is checked to predict which crop would do best in the coming monsoon.
| Traditional New Year Festivals in India |
| Name |
Features |
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Chaitra Shukla Pratipada
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- It marks the beginning of the new year of the Vikram Samvat also known as the Vedic (Hindu) calendar.
- Vikram Samvat is based on the day when the emperor Vikramaditya defeated Sakas, invaded Ujjain and called for a new era.
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Gudi Padwa and Ugadi
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- Celebrated in the month of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar.
- Deccan region including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
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| Navreh |
- It is the lunar New Year that is celebrated in Kashmir. It falls on the very first day of the Chaitra Navratras.
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| Sajibu Cheiraoba |
- It is celebrated by Meiteis (an ethnic group in Manipur) which is observed on the first day of Manipur lunar month Shajibu, which falls in the month of April every year.
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| Cheti Chand |
- It is celebrated by Sindhi community. Chaitra month is called 'Chet' in Sindhi.
- The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Ishta Deva Uderolal/Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.
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Bihu
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- It is celebrated three times a year.
- Rongali or Bohag Bihu is observed in April. Kongali or Kati Bihu observed in October and Bhogali or Magh Bihu observed in January.
- Rongali or Bohag Bihu is the Assamese new year and spring festival.
- The Rongali Bihu coincides with Sikh New Year- Baisakhi.
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Baisakhi
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- It is celebrated as the Indian thanksgiving day by farmers.
- It also has religious significance for the Sikhs community as the foundation of the Khalsa Panth was laid on this day by Guru Gobind Singh.
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Losoong
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- Losoong also known as Namsoong is the Sikkimese New Year.
- It is usually the time when the farmers rejoice and celebrate their harvest.
- It is mostly celebrated in the month of December every year with traditional gaiety and colour both by the Lepchas and Bhutias.
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Source: PIB