April marks the start of the season’s change. It marks the beginning of spring and a fresh new cycle. This time corresponds to the first day of the Vaisakh/Baishakh month, which falls between April and May. It is an agriculture-based festival that celebrates the end of the harvest. It also connects with Mesh Sankranti and Chaitra Navratri. During this period, the sun moves into Mesh Rashi, which holds special meaning in tradition.
On this day, farmers give thanks for a good harvest. They also welcome the start of a new growing season. The festival is usually celebrated on 13 April each year. However, once in about 36 years, it falls on 14 April instead. Like many festivals in India, it has different names in different regions. The customs and ways of celebrating also change from place to place.
Baisakhi – Punjab Special
Baisakhi is very important in Punjab and Haryana, where most of the Sikhs live. It is not just a harvest festival, but also marks the Sikh New Year. This gives people an extra reason to celebrate. The day is filled with joy, faith, and community spirit. Families and friends come together to celebrate. It is a time of both thanks and new beginnings.
On this day, Sikhs visit Gurudwaras to offer Ardas- the prayers, after it, Karah Prasad is given to everyone. This is followed by a community meal called Langar. People sit together and share food, showing equality and unity. There is also a lot of dancing, especially Bhangra and Giddha. Special events take place at Talwandi Sabo, Anandpur Sahib, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Baisakhi also has deep historical meaning for Sikhs. In 1699, the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, was killed by the Mughals. He refused to change his faith and stood to protect the beliefs of others. On Baisakhi, his son Guru Gobind Rai inspired people to be strong and fearless. He gave Sikhs the title “Singh,” meaning lion, and became Guru Gobind Singh. On this day, he founded the Khalsa Panth. It is also believed that Sikhs accepted the Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal guide from this time.
Jallianwala Bagh and Baisakhi
During the Indian freedom movement, there was growing unrest across the country. In Amritsar, Colonel Reginald Dyer imposed strict rules. He announced a curfew in the city. He also banned public gatherings and processions. People were not allowed to gather in groups of more than four. These rules created fear and tension among the people.
On 13 April 1919, many people still gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate Baisakhi. The place had only one narrow entrance. It was surrounded by high walls on all sides. Around 12:40 PM, Dyer was informed about the gathering. He believed it could lead to protests or trouble. However, most people had gathered peacefully for the festival.
By 4:30 PM, Dyer arrived at the site with armed soldiers. The main entrance was blocked, and guards were placed there. Without warning, he ordered the troops to fire at the crowd. There were thousands of people present that day. Many tried to escape, but there was no easy way out. Some even jumped into a well to save themselves. The firing lasted for about ten minutes and stopped only when the ammunition ran out. This act was meant to punish people for breaking his orders and became one of the darkest events in India’s history.
Gudi Padwa – Baisakhi the Maharashtra Way
Gudi Padwa marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. It is a day of fresh beginnings and new hopes. The name “Padwa” comes from the Sanskrit word “Pratipada,” which means the first day of a lunar fortnight. This day also marks the start of the bright phase of the moon. People celebrate it with joy and positive energy. Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome the new year.
Families make colourful rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes. A special Gudi flag is also raised outside the house. The Gudi is made using a bright silk cloth tied to a long bamboo stick. Neem leaves, mango leaves, and a flower garland are added. At the top, a metal pot, called a kalash, is placed upside down. This setup stands for victory, success, and good fortune. The Gudi is usually placed on the right side of the house, or displayed from a window or terrace.
Lord Rama Association
The Gudi also has a strong link with Lord Rama. It is believed to mark his victory after defeating Ravana. After this, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya. People celebrated his return with great joy. The Gudi is seen as a symbol of victory and success. That is why it is always raised high outside homes. Many also believe this day marks his coronation as king after 14 years of exile.
Vishu – Kerala
Vishu is the Kerala version of Baisakhi and marks the start of the new year. It falls on the first day of the Malayalam month Medam. The festival is mainly celebrated with family. People prepare a special arrangement called Vishu Kani. It includes items like golden flowers, rice, money, and silver objects. These are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity. People wake up early and look at these items first thing in the morning.
New clothes, called Puthukodi, are worn on this day. Families also enjoy a traditional meal known as Sadya. The meal includes different tastes, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. This mix of flavours is believed to reflect life. People also pray to Lord Vishnu, often in the form of Krishna. The day is filled with peace, joy, and hope for the year ahead.
Bohag Bihu – Baisakhi the Assam Way
Bohag Bihu is the Assam version of Baisakhi. It is one of the most important festivals in Assam.
There are three main types of Bihu celebrated during the year.
The first is Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu. It is celebrated in April and marks the Assamese New Year. This festival is linked to farming and the start of a new cycle. People pray for good crops and a better harvest season.
Bohag Bihu is celebrated over seven days during Vishuva Sankranti. Each day has a special meaning and set of customs.
The celebrations begin with Raati Bihu, a nighttime event featuring music and gatherings.
Then comes Sot Bihu, which marks the formal start of the festival.
Goru Bihu is a day to honour cattle and thank them for their help in farming.
Manuh Bihu is a festival where people seek blessings from elders and ancestors.
Kutum Bihu is for visiting relatives and sharing meals together.
The celebrations continue with Mela Bihu, when fairs and group events are held.
The last day is Chera Bihu, which marks the end of the festival. On this day, people reflect and make plans for the year ahead.
Apart from Bohag Bihu, there are two other Bihu festivals. Kati Bihu is celebrated in October or November. It is a quieter festival when food is limited, and people pray for crops. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in January and marks the harvest season with feasting and joy.
My friend Shishir suggested an article published in Swarajya. Here is the link to it.
Maha Vishuba Sankranti – Odisha
Maha Vishuba Sankranti is celebrated in Odisha as the New Year. It usually falls on 13 April. This day marks the sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi. People celebrate it with joy and cultural events. Folk and classical dances are performed across the state. Many families hang neem leaves at their doors for good health. A special drink called Pana is prepared using jaggery, mango, and spices. People also place earthen pots with water above Tulsi plants to keep them cool during summer.
Poila Boishakh – Bengal
Poila Boishakh is the New Year festival in West Bengal. It is also known as Nobo Barsho. The day marks the first day of the Bengali calendar. People celebrate it with fairs and cultural events. Folk songs and performances are common during this time. Shops and businesses often start new accounts on this day. Families gather and enjoy traditional food together.
Puthandu – Tamil New Year
Puthandu is the New Year festival in Tamil Nadu. It is also called Puthuvarusham. The festival falls on the first day of the month of Chithirai. People greet each other with wishes for a happy new year. Homes are cleaned and decorated for the occasion. Special meals are prepared and shared with family. It is a day filled with hope and new beginnings.
Jur Sital – Bihar and Nepal
Jur Sital is celebrated in Bihar and also in Nepal. It is a simple and traditional festival. People prepare sattu, a powder made from roasted grains. It is served to family members, often on lotus leaves. The food is cooling and suits the summer season. The day focuses on family bonding and simple living. It also marks a fresh start for the year ahead.
Cheti Chand – Sindhi New Year
Cheti Chand is the New Year festival of the Sindhi community. It is also the birth anniversary of Jhulelal. People offer prayers and celebrate with special dishes. Popular foods include sweet rice and spinach cooked with lentils. The festival is linked to a story from history. A ruler named Mirkshah forced people to change their faith. The community prayed to the Water God for help. It is believed that Jhulelal was born to protect them and bring peace.
Navreh – Kashmiri Pandits
Navreh is the New Year festival of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir. It marks the start of the lunar year. On this day, a special plate is prepared with many items. These include rice, curd, coins, flowers, and a new calendar. Other items, such as a pen, walnuts, and jewellery, are also placed on the plate. It is believed that seeing this first thing in the morning brings good luck. The eldest member of the family sees it first. Then, it is shown to the rest of the family.
BLOG/025/2021/17/#IgnorantHindu Updated 13th April 2026
Here is another update from #IgnorantHindu. Here you can find information on Balipratipada, Gowardhan Puja, Bhai-Dooj and Vishwakarma Puja, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, SHRADH and PITRA SHRADH, AATM SHRADH, Adhik Mass, Navratri, Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, Makar Sankranti , Mahashivratri and Holi.
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