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The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast. 
 Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752. 
 Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>. 
 With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir: Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as Nilamat Purana, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days. 
 
<keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva. 
 
<keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life. 
 
<keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful gudhi – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>. 
 
Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called kolams are drawn; traditional lamps or kuthu vilakkus are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as niraikudums are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features pachadi, fruits and payasam or dessert. 
 
<keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword> is served. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>: The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword> is also celebrated on this day. 
 
<keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals. 
 
Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as pitha and laru is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment. 
 
<keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life. 
 
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of dhols and drums, mark this occasion. 
 
<keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, rangoli and torans (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword>. 
 
Images: Wikipedia

New Year Festivities
Not Over Yet; Here Is How India
Celebrates

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Peaceful demonstrators marched to Kentucky Attorney General <keyword id="1302839" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Daniel-Cameron">Daniel Cameron</keyword>'s house on Saturday, marking the 150th day of protests for <keyword id="9211245" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="breonna-taylor">Breonna Taylor</keyword>, according to the <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/breonna-taylor/2020/10/24/breonna-taylor-protests-protesters-march-daniel-camerons-home/3718389001/">Louisville Courier-Journal</a>.</li><li>Around 100 protesters rallied without any arrests, despite an encounter with officers in riot gear.</li><li>"The more that comes out with the case, the more that we see that he's been untruthful about a lot of things," <keyword id="6359715" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="protest">protest</keyword> organizer, Delaney Haley, told the Courier-Journal. "So day 150, we're still out here, and we're still seeking full transparency, and we're not going to let up until we get that."</li></ul>Demonstrators rallied in front of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's house on Saturday, marking 150 days of protests in <keyword id="193447" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Louisville">Louisville</keyword> for Breonna Taylor, according to the <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/breonna-taylor/2020/10/24/breonna-taylor-protests-protesters-march-daniel-camerons-home/3718389001/">Louisville Courier-Journal</a>.Nearly 100 protesters marched to Cameron's home in a reaction to his managing of Taylor's case. Authorities responded in riot gear, but no arrests were made, according to the outlet."The more that comes out with the case, the more that we see that he's been untruthful about a lot of things," protest organizer, Delaney Haley, told the Courier-Journal. "So day 150, we're still out here, and we're still seeking full transparency, and we're not going to let up until we get that."The Courier-Journal's Andre LaVista Toran was at the scene documenting the confrontation between law enforcement and demonstrators. According to the outlet, after having an exchange with protesters to de-escalate the situation, officers "backed away."In one of the prior attempts to protest at Cameron's home, 87 protesters who rallied in his front yard <a href="https://www.insider.com/felony-charges-dropped-against-breonna-taylor-protestors-in-kentucky-2020-7">were arrested </a>in July, <a href="https://www.wdrb.com/news/87-protesters-arrested-during-demonstration-at-ag-daniel-camerons-east-louisville-home/article_c5aac7b4-c615-11ea-8055-47e7c78d292a.html">local news outlet WDRB reported at the time</a>. <div type="image" title="louisville protests" height="512" width="1024" msid="78861377" hostid="261"></div>Saturday's protest came just over a month after Cameron's announcement on September 23 tha<a href="https://www.insider.com/no-charges-officers-for-shooting-death-of-breonna-taylor-2020-9">t none of the officers involved in the death of Taylor face charges for actually killing her</a>. Only one of the three officers, Brett Hankinson, <a href="https://www.insider.com/brett-hankison-officer-involved-breonna-taylor-shooting-charged-grand-jury-2020-9">was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment</a> for shooting into a neighbor's apartment.<div type="image" title="attorney daniel cameron via ap" height="1774" width="3548" msid="78861378" hostid="261"></div>Cameron claimed that the grand jury concurred with this decision, however, an unidentified juror revealed that the <a href="https://www.insider.com/kentucky-judge-orders-release-of-breonna-taylor-grand-jury-records-2020-10">option to indict anyone for homicide</a> was not on the table. "The grand jury didn't agree that certain actions were justified," the anonymous juror said. "The grand jury was not given the opportunity to deliberate on those [other] charges and deliberated only on what was presented to them."Taylor was a 26-year-old emergency medical technician <a href="https://www.insider.com/breonna-taylor-shot-dead-louisville-house-police-narcotics-bust-2020-5">who was fatally shot by Louisville police during a botched no-knock narcotics raid in March</a>. Her death sparked a surge of activism against police brutality and a call for the officers involved to be held accountable. Read more:<a href="https://www.insider.com/kentucky-judge-orders-release-of-breonna-taylor-grand-jury-records-2020-10">Member of the grand jury breaks silence on Breonna Taylor case, says they weren't given the chance to indict any officer for homicide</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/brett-hankison-officer-involved-breonna-taylor-shooting-charged-grand-jury-2020-9">A grand jury has declined to charge 2 of the 3 Louisville police officers involved in Breonna Taylor's death</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/no-charges-officers-for-shooting-death-of-breonna-taylor-2020-9">The only charges in the Breonna Taylor case are for shooting into her neighbor's apartment, not for killing her</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/felony-charges-dropped-against-breonna-taylor-protestors-in-kentucky-2020-7">Felony charges were dropped against 87 peaceful demonstrators arrested during a Breonna Taylor protest</a>

Demonstrators in Louisville rallied peacefully at Kentucky attorney general's home on the 150th day of Breonna Taylor protests

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="909846" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="New-England-Patriots">New England Patriots</keyword> rookie Dustin Woodard is walking away from the gridiron before playing a single snap in the <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword>.</li><li>Before he was <keyword id="1745518" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bill-Belichick">Bill Belichick</keyword>'s seventh-round pick, Woodard enjoyed a standout career in his four years as an offensive lineman for the <keyword id="1754690" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Memphis-Tigers">Memphis Tigers</keyword>.</li><li>Woodard stood to make over $700,000 this season and $3.4 million over the next four years.</li></ul>Bill Belichick has lost yet another weapon from his arsenal for the upcoming NFL season.New England Patriots rookie Dustin Woodard has decided to walk away from the gridiron. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who first reported the news, the offensive lineman's choice to move on from <keyword id="64" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Football">football</keyword> is unrelated to the COVID-19 crisis.Belichick selected Woodard — a four-year starter for the Memphis Tigers — with his seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound offensive lineman spent his first three seasons playing guard under head coach Mike Norvell. After his junior season, Woodard native was the top-ranked guard in the conference.<div type="image" title="dustin woodard patriots" height="1446" width="1929" msid="77550967" hostid="261"></div>But along with Memphis' head coaching change, the Chandler, Arizona, native was tasked with shifting to center in his final year of eligibility for the Tigers. Even in his first full year in a new position, Woodard enjoyed a standout season and quickly became one of the highest-rated centers in college football.Woodard stood to make more than $700,000 in his first year with the new-look Patriots. He gives up $3.4 million over the next four years by stepping away from the game before playing a single snap in the NFL.The offensive lineman is just the latest in a series of blows to Belichick's roster for the upcoming season. According to <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-rookie-retires-just-months-after-being-drafted-by-bill-belichick-per-report/">CBS Sports</a>, eight of New England's players — Brandon Bolden, Marcus Cannon, Patrick Chung, Dont'a Hightower, Matt LaCosse, Marqise Lee, Najee Toran, and Danny Vitale — opted out of joining the team for the year prior to the NFL's deadline.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/2020-college-football-season-canceled-big-ten-pac-12-2020-8">Pac-12 and Big Ten are first major conferences to call off college football season and other fall sports</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ben-sasse-big-ten-college-football-letter-2020-8">Senator Ben Sasse wrote a letter to Big Ten presidents arguing that the college football season should be played because 'life is about tradeoffs'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ranked-athletes-per-minute-earnings-salary-2020-list-2020-8">The 55 athletes who make the most money per minute, ranked</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/us-olympians-2020-tokyo-olympics-postponement-reactions-2020-8">Shock, disappointment, anxiety, relief: As the original 2020 Olympics dates pass, Team USA's top competitors reveal how they're coping with the year-long delay</a></li></ul>

A Patriots rookie is retiring a month after the draft, giving up a $3.4 million contract before playing a single snap

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>San Francisco's taxis have taken a hit from apps like Uber, Sidecar, and Lyft, and now the city has the numbers to prove it.
Last week, San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency <a href="http://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/agendaitems/9-16-14%20Item%2011%20Presentation%20-%20Taxicab%20Industry.pdf">released a report</a>: in the last 15 months, cab use in the city has dwindled by 65%. 
According to SFMTA's Taxis and Accessible Services director Kate Toran, who compiled the report, the average San Francisco taxi now makes 504 trips a month. In March 2012, the average taxi made about 1,424 trips a month.
The decrease in San Francisco's taxis can be attributed to services like Uber, Sidecar, and Lyft, which all operate in the city. "There's been a real reduction," Toran said <a href="http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/report-says-sf-taxis-suffering-greatly/Content?oid=2899618">to the SFMTA board of directors</a>. "But obviously this doesn't tell the whole story. Part of the story is we don't have hard data yet from the [transportation network companies'] side to really analyze the full impact on the streets and our air quality."

This New Report Shows Why Taxi Drivers Are Terrified Of Uber And Lyft

This Diwali, <keyword id="46431" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-Inc">India Inc</keyword> will splurge on corporate gifts. According to a study by <keyword id="6355988" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assocham">ASSOCHAM</keyword>, companies have upped their budget for festive spending and corporate gifting by nearly 15% over last year. 
	 “A slight rise in consumer confidence together with improved job security, a perceptive improvement in business sentiment and festive optimism has encouraged India Inc. to loosen the purse strings as majority of companies have increased their budget for festive spending for clients and employees by about 10-15 per cent this Diwali,” said <keyword id="547365" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="DS-Rawat">DS Rawat</keyword>, general secretary of the chamber. 
	 
	He added, “Besides, majority of companies are planning to substitute traditional gift options with Diwali exclusive pre-paid cards which seems to be emerging as the most preferred gifting solution for corporate sector”. 
	 
	 
	Rawat noted the fact that companies are willing to increase their budget for festive spending is an indication of the rise in the consumer sentiments, which has been down over the last few years. 
	 
	 “India Inc. has been cutting back its corporate gift budgets significantly, however, it seems to be getting generous this festive season owing to growing expectations of an economic turnaround and a positive business outlook for trade and industry,” averred Rawat. 
	 
	When it comes to the choice of gifts, prepaid gift cards are fast gaining popularity among the companies as as it is safer, easier to carry and gives people the freedom to splurge on things they wish to buy. Gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and other such hand-held devices too are being preferred by various companies. The companies are opting for e-commerce websites for placing bulk orders for gadgets as these online portals are offering huge discounts on them. 
	 
	Traditional gifts such as crockery, assorted chocolates, sweets, dry fruits, imported liquor, bed sheets, gold coins, jewellery, home décor, tableware, luxury watches, designer apparel, expensive writing instruments, leather bags, free holiday packages, movie tickets, dinner coupons, spa vouchers and hampers with a mix of festive essentials like torans, diyas and aromatic candles continue to remain a favourite among the companies.

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