India Welcomes advent of Hindu New Year

President and Vice President greets countrymen on Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba

New Delhi : The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba has said: -

“On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

These traditional festivals mark the advent of spring and the new year. They represent the multi-hued cultural heritage of our country. May the joyous festivities usher in prosperity and reinforce the message of fundamental unity of our vast and diverse nation”.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand. He said that may these festivals bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives and said ;
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of ‘Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand’.

These festivals mark the beginning of traditional New Year and reflect the composite culture and rich heritage of our country.

May these festivals bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”

Importance of Gudi Padwa/ Ugadi/ Cheti Chand/ Navreh/Sajibu cheiraoba

      

Gudi Padwa, the first Holy festival which marks the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day for the Hindus falls onChaitra Shukla Pratipada. (8th April 2016) It is known as Gudhi Padwa (in Maharashtra), Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh), Cheti Chand (Sindhi), Naba Barsha (Bengal), Goru Bihu (Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala)] On this very day Lord Brahma created the Universe. Therefore for Hindus, this day carries special importance. The day is celebrated with an auspicious bath, followed by decorating the doorway with a ''Toran''  performing ritualistic worship and hoisting the Gudhi.

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated as Ugadi (or Yugadi) in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The day, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by pooja to god and Panchanga Shravana. Houses are decorated with Mango Leaves and Rangoli and everyone in the family wear new clothes and celebrate the festival by wishing each other New year greetings.

Navreh also celebrate as Kashmiri New Year’s Day. It is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits mainly as New Year's day.The Kashmiris celebrate this day with great joy & enthusiasm.

"Sajibu Cheiraoba" is the new year of the Meiteis of Manipur.  The Sajibu Cheiraoba is a traditional festival celebrated on the first day of Sajibu month (equivalent of April) every year.

The eating of a specific mixture called Bevu-Bella (Neem and Jaggery) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of good and bad, Happiness and Sorrow. Eating Neem and Sweet Jaggery means one need to take both Good and Bad or Happiness and Sorrow should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year.

In Karnataka a special dish called Obbattu or Holige (Puran Poli), is prepared on this occasion. It consists of a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a paste) stuffed in a flat roti like bread. It is usually eaten hot/cold with ghee or milk topping or coconut milk at some places of Karnataka.

‘Gudi Padwa’ is the day on which the universe was created. Since on this day Lord Brahma created the universe and the Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.