India is a diverse country with different religions, languages, and cultures, and hence, there are several traditional New Year festivals celebrated across the country. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Hindu New Year: Also known as "Varsha Puranam," the Hindu New Year falls in April and is celebrated in various parts of India, such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Baisakhi: Celebrated on April 13th or 14th, Baisakhi is the New Year for the Sikh community. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Punjab and other parts of Northern India.
- Ugadi: Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It is celebrated in March or April and marks the beginning of a new year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
- Puthandu: Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, is celebrated in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It falls in mid-April and is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and cultural events.
- Bihu: Bihu is a three-day harvest festival celebrated in Assam. It marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is usually celebrated in mid-April.
- Navroz: Navroz is the New Year's Day for the Parsi community in India. It is celebrated in August or September and marks the beginning of a new year, according to the Zoroastrian calendar.
These are some of the popular traditional New Year festivals celebrated in India.