Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu, and Pohela Boishakh
India, known for its rich cultural diversity, celebrates the New Year in different ways across various states. While the Gregorian calendar begins on January 1st, many Indian communities follow their own traditional lunar and solar calendars to mark the arrival of a new year.
Baisakhi (Punjab), Vishu (Kerala), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), and Pohela Boishakh (West Bengal) are some of the most significant regional New Year celebrations, each deeply rooted in history, traditions, and unique customs. These festivals symbolize renewal, prosperity, gratitude, and joy, bringing families and communities together in vibrant festivities.
Let us take a journey through these incredible celebrations and understand their significance across different parts of India.
Baisakhi: The Harvest Festival of Punjab
Date: April 13, 2025
Celebrated in: Northern India
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a harvest festival and the Punjabi New Year. It marks the beginning of the solar year and holds great significance for farmers, Sikhs and Hindus. It is a time of gratitude, joy, and new beginnings.
- Baisakhi commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, making it a sacred occasion for Sikhs.
- It is also considered the start of the harvest season, where farmers thank Mother Earth and the Almighty for a prosperous yield.
- In Hindu tradition, Baisakhi is observed as Vishu Sankranti, marking the movement of the Sun into Aries (Mesha Rashi).
Gurdwara Prayers: Devotees visit Golden Temple (Amritsar) and other gurdwaras for prayers, kirtans and langar
Bhangra & Gidda: Colorful folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda are performed in fields and communities.
Fairs & Festivities: Large fairs are organized with music, food stalls and traditional Punjabi games.
Feasting: Special dishes like Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag and Lassi are enjoyed with family.
Baisakhi is a festival of joy, community spirit and gratitude for nature’s blessings.
Vishu: Kerala’s Auspicious New Year
Date: April 14, 2025
Celebrated in: Kerala & parts of Karnataka
Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in Kerala. It signifies prosperity, renewal and divine blessings.
- It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day, restoring peace and dharma.
- The Vishukkani ritual is an essential part of the festival, symbolizing good fortune and success for the coming year.
Vishukkani: The first sight seen in the morning is an auspicious arrangement of rice, fruits, gold, flowers, mirror and an idol of Lord Krishna.
Vishu Kaineettam: Elders bless younger family members with money (kaineettam) for prosperity.
Fireworks & Feasting: Homes are decorated, and fireworks light up the sky. Traditional dishes like Vishu Sadya, Payasam and Jackfruit dishes are prepared.
Vishu is a festival of good fortune, divine blessings and familial bonds.
Puthandu: Tamil New Year and the Celebration of New Beginnings
Date: April 14, 2025
Celebrated in: Tamil Nadu & Sri Lanka
Puthandu, also called Tamil Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year (Chithirai month). It is a day of renewal, gratitude and family togetherness.
Significance & Traditions
- According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, making it highly auspicious.
- The festival is dedicated to seeking blessings for prosperity and success.
Kanni Ritual: The day starts with viewing an auspicious setting of gold, fruits, betel leaves, flowers and a mirror, similar to Vishu’s Vishukkani.
House Cleaning & Kolam: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with colorful Kolam (rangoli).
Temple Visits: Devotees visit temples to offer prayers for a successful year ahead.
Festive Feasts: A grand vegetarian meal, including Mango Pachadi (a mix of sweet, sour and bitter tastes symbolizing life’s different experiences), is prepared.
Puthandu is a festival that blends spirituality, gratitude and cultural joy.
Pohela Boishakh: The Bengali New Year Celebration
Date: April 15, 2025
Celebrated in: West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Tripura
Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a festival of cultural pride, joy and prosperity. It marks the first day of the Bengali calendar and is observed with grandeur and enthusiasm.
- Pohela Boishakh traces its origins to Mughal Emperor Akbar, who introduced the Bengali calendar to collect agricultural taxes based on the harvest season.
- It is a day to embrace new beginnings, clear debts and pray for prosperity.
Mangal Shobhajatra: A grand procession featuring colorful masks, folk music and traditional dance is organized.
Prayers & Puja: People visit temples, seeking blessings for a prosperous year.
Bengali Feast: Traditional foods like Panta Bhat (fermented rice), Hilsa Fish, Rosogolla and Sandesh are enjoyed.
Cultural Programs: Rabindra Sangeet (songs of Rabindranath Tagore) and drama
performances are held, promoting Bengali art and heritage.
Pohela Boishakh is a festival that brings people together to celebrate unity, hope and cultural richness.
While Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu and Pohela Boishakh are celebrated in different regions, they all share a common essence—gratitude, renewal and the spirit of togetherness. These festivals mark the arrival of spring and a fresh start, where people pray for prosperity, happiness and good fortune.
Each festival reflects the rich cultural heritage of India, making the New Year an occasion of joy, devotion and unity. No matter where or how they are celebrated, these traditions continue to spread positivity and strengthen community bonds.Wishing everyone a Happy Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu and Pohela Boishakh! May this New Year bring happiness, health, and success to all!
By: Ms. Bimal Biswakarma (Customer Service Executive – Bagdogra)
