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If the snapshots of a frozen Niagara have chilled you to the bones and the gradual dip in mercury at home keeps you shivering, here is the best remedy to beat the last leg of the icy cold <keyword id="46788" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Winter">winter</keyword>. Celebrate <keyword id="6494293" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri">Lohri</keyword> this year with <keyword id="28762" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="fire">fire</keyword> and flamboyance – with the beating of dhol, <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">bhangra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">giddha</keyword> dancing, blazing bonfires and mithas of traditional sweets. Lohri is a popular <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, celebrated all over <keyword id="55424" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Northern-India">Northern India</keyword> in the middle of January, and Monday the 13th is the stipulated date this year. 
 Essentially a <keyword id="2012366" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rural-festival">rural festival</keyword> held in <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>, <keyword id="41646" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haryana">Haryana</keyword>, <keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword> and some parts of <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword> and <keyword id="6357972" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jammu">Jammu</keyword>, this one celebrates the bountiful harvests as the ravi crops (winter crops including wheat, barley, mustard, <keyword id="56382" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sesame">sesame</keyword> and peas) are gathered while people unite in thanksgiving and pray for prosperity. Held on the last day of the month Paush, Lohri also marks the Sun’s entry into the northern hemisphere, popularly known as <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword>. This signifies the end of the cold, dark winter days and bonfires are lit to worship the Sun – the eternal spark of life. Lohri melas (festivals) are also held every year to celebrate the occasion. 
 A week before the festival, children start gathering <keyword id="1066921" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firewood">firewood</keyword> and go from door to door, singing old folk songs and collecting their <keyword id="2012376" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri-loot">Lohri loot</keyword> – a wide variety of scrumptious sweets like <keyword id="2012377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rewri">rewri</keyword>, <keyword id="529387" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gajak">gajak</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword>, <keyword id="116024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Peanut">peanut</keyword> chikki and <keyword id="6427332" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="TIL">til</keyword> (sesame) barfi. On the D-day, after sundown, people rush to the <keyword id="2012365" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bonfire-celebration">bonfire celebration</keyword>, followed by a gala evening filled with songs, dances and feasting. The festival also holds great significance for the newlyweds and the newborns whose first Lohri is celebrated with pomp and splendour. 
 This year, too, the Lohri bashes are all set to fire up the festivities in spite of the <keyword id="517425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="biting-cold">biting cold</keyword> of the past few days. It has been partly cloudy in the national capital of Delhi, along with early <keyword id="49908" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MORNING-FOG">morning fog</keyword> and a chilly breeze, but the day gets warmer with an occasional burst of sunshine. It has not rained either, as predicted by the MeT department, and the minimum temperature on the Lohri day is expected to hover between 4 and 6°C. Incidentally, the Jaffarpur Kalan area in Delhi has already recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 1.4°C a couple of days ago. The city also witnessed the worst fog in four years, with flight and train operations coming to a standstill. 
 
Such chilly weather means the bonfires must be extra large this time and the celebrations should get bigger as the sun goes down on Monday. Start the ritual with parikrama – circling the bonfire, chanting prayers, singing folk songs and putting in loads of til (sesame), <keyword id="2012380" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Moongphali">moongphali</keyword> (peanuts), <keyword id="2012381" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chirwa">chirwa</keyword> (puffed rice) and <keyword id="82600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maize">maize</keyword> (<keyword id="74000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Popcorn">popcorn</keyword>) into the fire, as the old custom demands. Some even pour milk and water near the circle of fire. These prayers and offerings to the Sun are said to bring peace, harmony and prosperity throughout the year. When the parikrama is over, it is time to exchange gifts and distribute the prasad or puja offerings that mostly include peanuts, til, gajak, jaggery and other munchies. 
 
 
 
But Lohri also signifies a great celebration of life – dancing, feasting and revelry that bring in good cheer. So it’s time to go balle balle with some dazzling outfits, lively dance numbers, Patiala pegs and lip-smacking <keyword id="33659" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-Cuisine">Punjabi cuisine</keyword>. Women can’t go much wrong with the <keyword id="2012402" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri-fashion">Lohri fashion</keyword>, though. A <keyword id="2012403" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patiala-suit">Patiala suit</keyword> with bright-hued <keyword id="531498" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Phulkari">phulkari</keyword> work or heavily embellished <keyword id="6481130" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="zardozi">zardozi</keyword> designs, matching dupatta and gold/kundan jewellery complete the <keyword id="2012391" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ethnic-ensemble">ethnic ensemble</keyword> for this occasion. Go for bold colours and bright shades – not only for your outfit but also for your make-up. The more adventurous can always try glitter and rhinestone make-up to add some extra dazzle. Sport a front puff or a chotti (braid) with a parandi (decorative tassel) and walk out as the belle of the ball – ready to bhangra and giddha all evening, till the fire dies down. 
 Those in love with gourmet food are also looking forward to the celebrations. Start your evening with some spicy chat and tikka; wash it down with a Patiala peg or two or some sweet/salty lassi, and move on to a sumptuous dinner of <keyword id="2012392" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makhani-di-dal">makhani di dal</keyword>, <keyword id="460117" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sarson-da-saag">sarson da saag</keyword> and <keyword id="2012393" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makki-di-roti">makki di roti</keyword> (more here on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Top-Indian-Foods-For-Your-Palate-Must-try-Items-FromEvery-State/articleshow/22515429.cms">top Indian foods</a>), followed by the traditional dessert – <keyword id="2012394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gajar-da-halwa">gajar da halwa</keyword> or <keyword id="2012395" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mong-dal-da-halwa">mong dal da halwa</keyword>. 
 Although Lohri is mostly celebrated in Northern India, similar festivals are held in the East and the South. In <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>, it is <keyword id="42174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makar-Sankranti">Makar Sankranti</keyword> on January 14, just a day after Lohri. It is considered as one of the most auspicious days and lakhs of people from all over India take a <keyword id="6365583" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holy-dip">holy dip</keyword> at the confluence of the river <keyword id="79976" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ganges">Ganges</keyword> and the <keyword id="55869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bay-of-Bengal">Bay of Bengal</keyword>. In <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, it is <keyword id="38378" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pongal">Pongal</keyword> from January 13 and the four-day harvest festival marks the start of a <keyword id="2012401" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-cycle">new cycle</keyword> as the Sun enters the northern hemisphere. And in <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>, people celebrate the <keyword id="523926" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Magh-Bihu">Magh Bihu</keyword> or <keyword id="95767" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhogali-Bihu">Bhogali Bihu</keyword> on January 14, an equivalent of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. 
 
With so many festivities coming up in the next few days, we wish all our readers happiness, prosperity, and most importantly, a thawing of the heart. Our emotions freeze up at times; our sensitivity becomes numb and our empathy well often runs dry. So what better time is there than today for a renewal of self? That’s what Lohri or the bonfire celebration is all about – it tells us to thaw out our hearts and celebrate a fresh start, a new cycle of life.

Happy
Lohri! It’s Now Bonfire Time, Folks!

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

<ul><li>This year, <keyword id="6378646" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="baisakhi">Baisakhi</keyword> falls on April 13, which is a Monday. </li><li>The harvest festival of Baisakhi marks the beginning of the solar year. </li><li>One of the most important festivals in Punjab, Baisakhi holds a special significance for the Sikh community.</li></ul>On April 13, 2020, the whole of Punjab and many parts of Northern India will gear up to celebrate the harvest festival of Baisakhi. On this joyful day, the farmers offer their prayers in thanks for a bountiful harvest of the Rabi crop. Baisakhi is also significant as it marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth community three hundred years ago by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Across the country, people celebrate the Baisakhi festival with a lot of fun, merriment and enthusiasm. Baisakhi in Punjab Punjab observes a state-wide holiday on the day of Baisakhi. Schools, colleges and offices remain closed to allow people to celebrate the event. Friends, relatives and neighbours exchange gifts among themselves. Businesses and offices also give away gifts to their employees. With all the gift-giving, there’s usually a surge in shopping ahead of the festival. The shops announce their annual sale offers and heavy discounts are offered on a wide range of items. Even the hotels announce huge discounts to lure in visitors from other states and countries who have come to either participate or observe the celebration of Baisakhi. Baisakhi and Sikhs The Sikh community celebrates Baisakhi by paying homage at Gurdwaras. They distribute offerings like Kada Prasad — a type of semolina halva made with equal portions of whole-wheat flour, clarified butter, and sugar — among the family members and friends. The tradition of Baisakhi was started in 1699 when the Panj Piaras or the ‘beloved five’ were the first five men to be baptised as Sikh and Guru Gobind Singh laid down the Panth Khalsa — the Order of the Pure Ones — according to scripture. Five individuals are chosen to represent the Panj Piaras and lead religious processions organized in the cities and provinces. Kar Sewa — volunteering to help at Gurdwaras — is an important highlight of the day. This act is considered as the expression of the modesty. In Gurdwaras, we can find the recitation of some passages from Guru Granth Sahib, kirtans and traditional songs. Baisakhi and farmers Punjab is rich in agriculture. Since Baisakhi commemorates the harvest season of the Rabi crops, it is a significant event for the farmers in the region. This festival is observed as a day of thanksgiving to the gods and natural elements that facilitated a bountiful harvest. Farmers visit the temples and Gurdwaras on this day wearing new clothes. Baisakhi fairs, bhangra and gidda are performances are common during this time in the state of Punjab. Baisakhi for Hindus and Buddhists Baisakhi marks the beginning of the solar calendar. On this day, the Sun enters the Mesh Rashi, the first one among the twelve zodiac signs. Therefore, this festival is also called as Mesh Sankranti. The other versions of Baisakhi are 'Naba Barsha' of Bengal, 'Rongali Bihu' of Assam, ‘Puthandu’ of Tamil Nadu, ‘Vaishakha’ of Bihar, and 'Pooram Vishu' of Kerala. These are all the variations of the Solar New Year celebrations across different parts of the country. The festival is highly significant for Hindus as well as Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on this day in 1875. Baisakhi is a holy day for the Buddhists as they believe that Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism attained enlightenment or Nirvana on this day.

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