India celebrates traditional New Year

As new leaves and an air of newness welcome the season of spring, several parts of India celebrate traditional new year. Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba are being celebrated with utmost gaiety and enthusiasm.

The festival of Ugaadi is being celebrated across two Telugu dominated states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh marking the beginning of the Hindu Lunar calendar.

Gudi Padwa is being celebrated in Maharashtra marking the advent of spring. The day marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Shakti – Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani , Kaalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidaatri. Chaitra Navratri, also referred as Rama Navratri.

In Manipur, Sajibu Nongma Panba, also called Meetei Cheiraoba or Sajibu Cheiraoba, is the lunar new year festival of the people of the Indian state of Manipur.

Towards the extreme north, Kashmiri Pandits celebrate their New Year's Day on the first day of the month of Chaitra (Mar–Apr) and call it Navreh, which is derived from the Sanskrit nava varsha, literary meaning 'new year'.

Greeting the country, President Ram Nath Kovind through Twitter wished,

Greetings and good wishes to fellow citizens on Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba. May this occasion bring happiness, peace and prosperity to people in various regions of our country #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 6, 2019

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also extended his greetings towards the people of India celebrating their traditional new year,

I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of our country on the joyous and auspicious occasion of '#Ugadi, #GudiPadwa , #ChaitraSukladi and #ChetiChand'.

Ugadi marks the beginning to the new month 'Chaitra' and brings new hope, new joy and happiness. pic.twitter.com/ceD7SRqFNB

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) April 6, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the occasion of Nav Samvatsar, Gudi Padva, Ugadi, Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba and Navreh.

Ugadi greetings to everyone!

I pray that this auspicious occasion leads to the fulfilment of all your aspirations.

May everyone be blessed with happiness and best health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019