It's New Year!

Although the Indian National Calendar is the official calendar for the Hindus, regional variants still prevail. As a result, we have a host of new year festivities that are unique to the particular regions on this vast country. Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. And not all of these fall on the same day!

In mid-April, Hindus celebrate Baisakhi in Punjab, Poila Baishakh in Bengal, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu to welcome the new year. These regional celebrations fall between April 13 and 15 this year. Don't forget to wish your friends and family a happy new year, once again!

Subhamoy Das – Hinduism Blog

қαvї - கவி

Happy New Year 2009!

Another year, another chance
To start our lives anew;
This time we’ll leap old barriers
To have a real breakthrough.


We’ll take one little step
And then we’ll take one more,
Our unlimited potential
We’ll totally explore.


We’ll show off all our talents
Everyone will be inspired;
(Hmm…while I’m writing this,
I’m getting very tired.)


We’ll give up all bad habits;
We’ll read and learn a lot,
All our goals will be accomplished,
Sigh...or maybe not.


Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!


New Year’s Reality Check - Joanna Fuchs


қαvї - கவி