It’s New Year again and different states are celebrating the special day in their own unique ways. The Tamilians had a first reading of their new panchangam (calendar) on April 13 to mark the start of Varsha Pirapu — a brand-new year. They start the day with a padi kolam,a traditional rangoli which signifies that there’s festivity at home. Baisakhi is the Punjabi festival heralding the felicitation of the Panch Pyare. Years ago, when Guru Gobind Singh asked people to stand up to protect mankind, the Panch Pyare came forward first. The Guru went on to felicitate them with amrit (potion), made of cheeni (sugar) and pani (water) in a katora (cup). On this first day of Baisakhi, farmers in Punjab harvest the first crop of gehoon (wheat). Down South it’s celebration of Vishu by the Malayalees. They prepare Vishu Kani comprising a plate arranged with God’s picture and a diya. On the auspicious day of Vishu, the elders of the family give gifts to the younger members and all feast on sadya, aviyal, sambhar, mambaya puzhchedi and chakka - jackfruit sweet. It’s a sweet affair indeed, just the way the Bengalis ring in Poila Boishak with sandesh, roshogulla, raj bhog and chomchom. Before the sumptuous meal, comes the puja with a prayer to Ganesh and Lakshmi seeking prosperity. Then come the new clothes and a special lunch of luchi and aloo dom.
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