The Grand Festivals of Ugadi, Navreh, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiroaba, and Chaitra Shukladi

Get ready to immerse yourself in the joyous celebrations of Ugadi, Navreh, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiroaba, and Chaitra Shukladi - the diverse and vibrant festivals that mark the beginning of a new year in different regions of India. These festivals bring with them a sense of renewed hope, cultural significance, and spiritual awakening. Let's dive into the traditions, rituals, and significance of these auspicious occasions!

1. Ugadi - The Feast of the New Year

Ugadi, celebrated predominantly in the southern states of India, holds immense cultural and religious importance. It marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar and symbolizes the start of a prosperous year filled with joy and abundance. The day is marked by various rituals, such as the ceremonial bath, offering prayers to deities, and partaking in traditional festive foods. From the vibrant decorations to the mesmerizing Panchanga Sravanam (recitation of the almanac),Ugadi fills the air with happiness and anticipation.

2. Navreh - The Kashmiri New Year

In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, Navreh heralds the beginning of a new year. This festival holds deep rooted religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits. On this day, devotees perform various rituals, including the cleaning of their homes, seeking blessings at temples, and preparing a traditional meal called "Wangan" - a dish consisting of rice cooked with special spices. Navreh not only brings people together but also allows them to reconnect with their roots and strengthen their cultural identity.

New Year: UGADI/ NAVREH/ GUDI PADWA/ CHETI CHAND/ SAJIBU CHEIROABA/ CHAITRA SHUKLADI/ PUTHTHAANDU/ VISHU/ BAISAKHI/ RONGALI BIHU/ POHELA BOISHAKH/ PANA ... BIZU (Indian Festival Series Book 3)

by Lalitha Chittoor(Kindle Interactive Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20443 KB
Print length	:	70 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

3. Gudi Padwa - The Maharashtrian New Year

Gudi Padwa, predominantly celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, marks the start of the Marathi New Year. The festival is known for its vibrant decorations and the creation of a Gudi, a pole adorned with colorful silk cloth, flowers, and neem leaves. The Gudi is then hoisted outside homes as a symbol of victory and good fortune. Gudi Padwa also witnesses the consumption of a special dish called Shrikhand Puri, which represents the sweet essence of the festivities and signifies the arrival of a prosperous year ahead.

4. Cheti Chand - The Sindhi New Year

Cheti Chand is the New Year celebration of the Sindhi community, honoring the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal Jhulelal - the patron saint of the Sindhi community. The festival involves the performance of traditional dances, visiting temples, and participating in processions that exhibit the rich Sindhi heritage. Women dress up in colorful attire adorned with traditional jewelry, adding an extra sparkle to the festivities. Cheti Chand serves as a reminder to cherish one's roots and traditions, fostering a strong sense of unity and camaraderie.

5. Sajibu Cheiroaba - The Manipuri New Year

Sajibu Cheiroaba is the beginning of a new year in the Manipuri lunar calendar. The festival holds immense cultural significance for the Manipuri community. Traditional dances, such as the Rasa Lila, take center stage during Sajibu Cheiroaba, captivating audiences with their graceful movements and vibrant costumes. Devotees also visit the local temples, offer prayers, and exchange gifts with loved ones. The festival aims to bring prosperity, happiness, and unity among the Manipuri people, making it a memorable affair.

6. Chaitra Shukladi - The Marwari New Year

Chaitra Shukladi marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar year for the Marwari community. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, as it signifies the renewal of optimism and spiritual enlightenment. The day begins with devotees offering prayers and participating in vibrant processions. The air is filled with the aroma of traditional sweets, such as ghewar and malpua, which are savored by all. Chaitra Shukladi strengthens familial bonds, promotes unity, and instills a sense of gratitude in the hearts of the Marwari community.

These fascinating festivals of Ugadi, Navreh, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiroaba, and Chaitra Shukladi beautifully portray the diversity and rich cultural heritage of India. Each of these celebrations brings communities together, fostering a sense of unity, love, and joy. Whether it's the vibrant decorations, traditional rituals, or delicious festive foods, these festivals have something special to offer. Let us embrace and cherish these auspicious occasions, as they mark the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, filled with hope, prosperity, and happiness!

New Year: UGADI/ NAVREH/ GUDI PADWA/ CHETI CHAND/ SAJIBU CHEIROABA/ CHAITRA SHUKLADI/ PUTHTHAANDU/ VISHU/ BAISAKHI/ RONGALI BIHU/ POHELA BOISHAKH/ PANA ... BIZU (Indian Festival Series Book 3)

by Lalitha Chittoor(Kindle Interactive Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20443 KB
Print length	:	70 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This book, NEW YEAR, the third in the series, Indian Festivals, describes not only how the New Year is celebrated all over the diverse India in its myriad forms and names but also the astronomical phenomena that are the precursors for the formulation of the different types of calendars, viz., lunar, solar and lunisolar calendars.
Festivals are an integral part of a society, be it in any country. They are an expressive way to celebrate the glorious culture, heritage and traditions of that country/region.
I was looking for a book to read to my 2 kids, 17 year-old son and 4 year-old daughter, about this festival and I could not find one. Hence, I conceived the idea of writing a series of books on Indian Festivals, for kids and adults alike, with lots of colorful pictures that exudes the sheer excitement, fervor, happiness, fun, flavor and facts of the festival. This would also serve as a great source of introductory information for the people of other nationalities wanting to know about India. People of Indian origin, settled all around the globe can also find this book valuable as a single point of reference. This book could also act as a travel resource for people travelling to India.
Further, I have included links to some NASA calculations, experiments and models for kids that explain the astronomical phenomena. Thus, this book would be engaging for both parents and kids alike.
During my travels in India and around the world, I always took keen interest in learning about the culture and background of the people and which in turn developed a deep sense of respect for them.
The writing of this book, kindled my childhood memories from early 1980s and 1990s, about this festival celebration. Our family is Telugu-speaking; my forefathers hailed from the Nellore district, in the current state of Andhra Pradesh and we celebrate Ugadi as our New Year. Our neighbor, on the right side of my parent’s home was from Tamil Nadu, our neighbor opposite to my parent’s home was from Karnataka and our renters’ at the 2nd floor were from the state of Odisha. So, it was a mini-India, right there!! As kids, we used to tease each other based on language. For instance, when the Karnataka neighbor yelled ‘Amma koothaare!!’(=Mother is calling),the Tamil Nadu neighbor would tease, ‘Amma Kooththu aadaranga’!!(=Mother is dancing). On the festival days, we exchanged the special food prepared by our Moms with each other.
In our family, during my childhood, on the day of Ugadi, we woke up early in the morning and as customary, took oil bath and wore new clothes. Panchanga patanam and shravanam (Reading of and listening to the almanac) was very important and interesting. My Mom, sister, brother and myself would sit around my Dad as he read the predictions for that year based on the Vedic astrology as given in the Panchangam. A week before the festival date itself, my Dad would visit a particular shop and preorder a copy of the Panchangam (almanac).
My sister had two close Rajasthani friends from school and I had a close Malayali classmate and we exchanged some special food item during their New Year celebration.
Now, living in the USA, I celebrate the festival with the same fervor with my husband and kids (even if it falls on a weekday).
In placing this edition of NEW YEAR, I invite all the readers to immerse themselves in the spirit of this festival and I hope the readers enjoy my book too as much as I enjoyed writing it.
May every NEW YEAR herald in Peace, Health, Happiness and Prosperity to all!

Lalitha Chittoor
Denver CO, USA
June 3, 2016
http://books.pranavent.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzkBPrPJXcQnopAvQnexhA
Twitter: @lchittoor