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Over the past few months, the pre-wedding and wedding-related ceremonies of Radhika Merchant and Anant <keyword id="19898589" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ambani" source="keywords">Ambani</keyword> have been catching everyone's attention. The grand pre-wedding event in Jamnagar was attended by major business tycoons, both national and international, including Gautam Adani and Mark Zuckerberg. Additionally, the entire Indian film industry was present at the event, with stars such as Shahrukh Khan and Ram Charan in attendance. Videos and photos from the event were all over the internet. After that, another four-day event took place aboard a luxury cruise in Italy. Finally, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani will get married on July 12 at the <keyword id="20044932" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio-World-Convention-Centre" source="keywords">Jio World Convention Centre</keyword> in Mumbai. In line with the pre-event extravaganza, the wedding is also expected to be star-studded, with many famous artists, such as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/adele-drake-and-lana-line-up-to-perform-at-anant-ambani-and-radhika-merchants-wedding-in-mumbai/articleshow/111480856.cms">Adele, Drake, and Lana Del Rey, expected to perform at the wedding</a>. Ahead of the big day, the Mosalu/Mameru ceremony took place at Antilia. <h2>What is <keyword id="22298098" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mosalu-and-Mameru" source="Orion">Mosalu and Mameru</keyword>?</h2>Mosalu is a traditional <keyword id="22298099" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarati-ceremony" source="Orion">Gujarati ceremony</keyword> celebrated a few days before the wedding. During Mosalu, the groom’s mother’s family brings gifts and blessings for the couple. In this Radhika and Anant Ambani’s wedding, members of Nita Ambani’s family, led by her mother, Purnima Dalal, and her sister, Mamta Dalal, visited the Ambani residence in Mumbai. The groom’s uncles and family presented the bride and groom with a traditional set of gifts called 'Mameru.' This ceremony shows respect for the larger family and includes them in the wedding festivities. <div type="INSTAGRAMURL" thumbUrl="undefined" caption="Caption not available." user="undefined" cmsId="1720170174184"><url><![CDATA[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8-EjqDIEb8/]]></url><permalink><![CDATA[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8-EjqDIEb8/]]></permalink><payload><![CDATA[]]></payload></div>During the ceremony, Radhika Merchant wore a custom Manish Malhotra lehenga with 'Durga-shloka' embroidered on the borders. She paired this beautiful outfit with her mother Shaila Merchant's jewellery. The wedding festivities for Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani began with the 'Mameru' ceremony at Antilia. Ahead of <keyword id="22298097" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anant-and-Radhikas-wedding" source="Orion">Anant and Radhika’s wedding</keyword>, Nita and Mukesh Ambani were seen at several places performing various activities. Earlier, the distribution of wedding invites began with Nita Ambani visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer the first invitation and seek blessings. The Ambani family also hosted a mass wedding in Thane for underprivileged couples.

A closer look at Mosalu and Mameru ceremonies before Anant and Radhika’s wedding

Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India], March 7 (ANI): Seems like the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Amband <keyword id="20178843" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radhika-merchant" source="keywords">Radhika Merchant</keyword> aren't over yet. On Wednesday, several celebs including actors <keyword id="19895142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shah-rukh-khan" source="keywords">Shah Rukh Khan</keyword>, <keyword id="19901647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salman-khan" source="keywords">Salman Khan</keyword>, Ranveer Singh and Arijit Singh once again arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat where the three-day pre-wedding celebrations were held recently. Reportedly, the celebs arrived in Jamnagar to enthral the employees of Reliance Industries at a special event organized by the <keyword id="19898589" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ambani" source="keywords">Ambani</keyword> family. Several pictures and videos from the event have gone viral on social media. In one such video, SRK could be seen taking centre stage and delivering his iconic dialogue "Ek Ladki Thi Deewani Si" from the romantic film 'Mohabbatein' in Gujarati. https://twitter.com/AwaaraHoon/status/1765421261545701587 SRK also shared a warm hug with <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> and <keyword id="20054466" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nita-ambani" source="keywords">Nita Ambani</keyword>. Ranveer, on the other hand, set the stage on fire with his energetic dance performance on superhit tracks like 'Malhari' from the film 'Bajirao Mastani'. In another video, superstar <keyword id="19913447" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salman" source="keywords">Salman</keyword> Khan could be seen performing on stage to his hit tracks like 'Jag Ghoomeya', 'Teri Meri', 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain', and others. https://twitter.com/Freak4Salman/status/1765433313190412447 Apart from them, singer Arijit Singh also arrived in Jamnagar and captivated the audience with his soulful tracks like 'O Maahi', 'Roke Na Ruke Naina', 'Janam Janam', and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' among others. SRK, Salman and Ranveer were seen leaving Jamnagar on Wednesday night. The three-day pre-wedding festivities of <keyword id="20178842" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anant-ambani" source="keywords">Anant Ambani</keyword> and Radhika Merchant were held in Jamnagar from March 1 to March 3. Guests from all around the world wre in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant. (ANI)

Shah Rukh Khan's Mohabbatein in Gujarati & more at Anant-Radhika's pre-wedding festivities

<ul><li><keyword id="6374020" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="anant-ambani" source="Orion">Anant Ambani</keyword> heads the new energy business of Reliance Industries. </li><li>He has graduated from Brown University in the USA. </li><li><keyword id="6528933" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radhika-merchant" source="Orion">Radhika Merchant</keyword> is the daughter of Shaila and <keyword id="5220246" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="viren-merchant" source="Orion">Viren Merchant</keyword>, and has graduated from the New York University. </li></ul>The youngest son of Mukesh and <keyword id="7024" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nita-ambani" source="Orion">Nita Ambani</keyword>, Anant Ambani was formally engaged to Radhika Merchant, on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Ambani residence in Mumbai. Anant Ambani who heads the new energy business of Reliance Industries, that’s based out Jamnagar in Gujarat – has been rumoured to be dating Merchant, for a long time now. His siblings and twins Akash and <keyword id="617730" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="isha-ambani" source="Orion">Isha Ambani</keyword> head the telecom and retail businesses of the conglomerate. The succession plan <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/akash-isha-and-anant-are-the-future-of-reliance-industries/articleshow/93854579.cms">was announced in August last year</a>, during the company’s annual general meeting. “All three of them have the mindset of the founder (Dhirubhai Ambani). Anant, in fact, spends most of his time at Jamnagar,” said Mukesh Ambani at the AGM. While Akash Ambani is married to <keyword id="6296629" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shloka-mehta" source="Orion">Shloka Mehta</keyword> and has a son named Prithvi, Isha Ambani who is married to Anand Piramal, has recently given birth to twin babies – a boy and a girl. <div type="image" title="anant ambani engagement" msid="97140821" hostid="261"></div> Anant Ambani graduated from Brown University in the USA, and has since served at Reliance Industries in various capacities including as a member on the boards of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail Ventures. Radhika Merchant is the daughter of Shaila and Viren Merchant, and has graduated from the New York University. She serves as a director on the Board of Encore Healthcare, a pharma company based out of Mumbai. “Age old traditions such as the Gol Dhana and Chunari Vidhi – followed since generations among Gujarati Hindu families – were conducted with great enthusiasm in the family temple and ceremony areas even as the families exchanged gifts and greetings, bonhomie and fun,” said a note sent by the Ambani family. <div type="image" title="Radhika merchant" msid="97140835" hostid="261"></div> The commencement of the engagement was announced by Isha Ambani, after which the couple exchanged rings in front of family and friends and sought their blessings for their upcoming union. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/akash-isha-and-anant-are-the-future-of-reliance-industries/articleshow/93854579.cms">Reliance of the future – in the hands of Akash, Isha and Anant</a>

Anant Ambani gets engaged to Radhika Merchant amidst traditional Gujarati ceremonies

<ul><li>The pandemic gave a huge boost to the streaming industry. The <keyword id="1245953" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ott" source="Orion">OTT</keyword> sector in India witnessed a 30% rise in the number of paid subscribers, from 22.2 million to 29.0 million between March and July 2020.</li><li>According to <keyword id="215381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amdocs" source="Orion">Amdocs</keyword>’ India Streamer 2021 report, 76% of surveyed consumers are expected to add to their current number of subscriptions – the most likely being video streaming services, wellness and e-health, and eLearning services.</li><li>Here are a few changes we can expect from the industry in the near future, writes <keyword id="5626068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="raman-abrol" source="Orion">Raman Abrol</keyword>, GM &amp; Chief Commercial Officer, <keyword id="12413885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amdocs-media" source="Orion">Amdocs Media</keyword>.</li></ul>The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns saw public entertainment across India grind to a standstill. With theatres, cinemas, music concerts, shows and other events closed – and new releases and productions put on hold – consumers flocked to streaming services. 2020 redefined screen-watching for consumers and enabled them to watch their preferred content at their preferred time. A young, growing population with increasing digital skills and more affordable smartphones, growth in mobile and broadband subscriptions and increased time spent at home are among key drivers that have made Over-the-Top (OTT) services a go-to choice for many. As a result, the OTT sector in India witnessed a 30% rise in the number of paid subscribers, from 22.2 million to 29.0 million between March and July 2020. According to Amdocs’ India Streamer 2021 report, 76% of surveyed consumers are expected to add to their current number of subscriptions – the most likely being video streaming services, wellness and e-health, and eLearning services. What changes can we expect on the horizon? This data shows some major emerging trends in the OTT space, which will further transform the way content would be created in the years to come. Here are four areas where we might see traction. 1. Continued demand for personalized, mega-content bundles: Consumers are increasingly looking at options to create and pay for content packages limited to only the content they want to watch. They do not want to pay for the service provider’s entire content library. With schools, offices, and entertainment all coming together under one roof, entertainment services such as wellness, telehealth, e-learning are also becoming popular. However, managing multiple subscriptions across multiple providers is a major challenge that consumers are facing today. To deal with this, communications service providers (CSPs) are looking at offering consumers the ‘perfect bundle’. This would serve as a centralized space where they will be able to access their preferred media and entertainment subscriptions. The Amdocs survey shares that about 56% of the consumers would pay more to include on-demand binge-worthy TV series, 49% would prefer all games for one specific sporting team, 46% of the consumers would bundle up virtual classes/training, while 45% would prefer fitness classes with a “celebrity” trainer. 2. Growing popularity of localized content: The past year has seen a surge in demand for regional content. To cater to this rising demand by viewers for local language content, several regional OTT platforms have emerged in markets like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. <keyword id="12413884" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oho-gujarati" source="Orion">OHO Gujarati</keyword> (Gujarati), <keyword id="1723835" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hoichoi" source="Orion">Hoichoi</keyword> (Bengali), and <keyword id="4660234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sun-nxt" source="Orion">Sun NXT</keyword> (Malayalam) are some examples of popular regional OTT platforms. They have carved a niche space for themselves among the existing big players such as <keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword> and <keyword id="2976376" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amazon-prime-video" source="Orion">Amazon Prime Video</keyword>, among others. These OTT platforms are catering to local tastes and preferences, offering content in regional and local languages, showcasing local cultures, traditions and lifestyles. An increasing number of viewers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities and towns are also driving this growth. For example, since its launch in February 2020, Telugu service Aha Video has reached 1 million paid subscribers. With consumers looking for quality content, irrespective of the language, this trend is only expected to grow in the coming years. Regional language consumption on OTT platforms is expected to cross 50% of the total time spent by 2025, moving past Hindi at 45%, according to a FICCI-PwC report. 3. Rise in low-budget short-films production: Continued uncertainty around the pandemic has made the entertainment industry cautious about spending on big-budget productions. The growing demand by OTT subscribers for new, enthralling and diverse content is leading to an interesting trend gaining momentum – short stories and web series. These realistic, powerful, thought-provoking short films are sitting well with modern viewers. With consumers hungry for authentic, out-of-the box, realistic content, this trend for short, anthology-style films is expected to continue growing. 4. Immersive technology and 5G network will be game changers for Indian OTT players: The growing trend of streaming 4K videos requires enhanced internet bandwidth. With the accelerated pace of 5G technology adoption in the country, OTT providers are planning on providing their customers with seamless 4K video quality streaming solutions. 5G connectivity is expected to drive the growth of immersive entertainment experiences for users. Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are increasingly proving to be transformative across different areas of the home entertainment industry. With the help of 5G 5 , consumers will be able to watch content using AR/VR gadgets, taking the entertainment experience to the next level. Way forward The OTT industry was experiencing slow and steady growth when Covid-19 acted as a catalyst for rapid transformation of this medium. From being on the curb to jumping onto the main street of entertainment, OTT has captured consumer eyeballs and hearts. Adoption of digital technologies, personalized bundling options, investments in original and locally relevant content, among others, will aid in furthering growth in the Indian OTT space.

How the pandemic has changed the streaming landscape for good

Most widely spoken foreign languages in United States

<ul><li><keyword id="602075" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Translate">Google Translate</keyword>’s Neural Machine Translation (NMT) technology will now also be available offline on <keyword id="75489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IOS">iOS</keyword> and <keyword id="6355645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Android">Android</keyword>. </li><li>Offline NMT support will be available in 59 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu from the pool of <keyword id="475721" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-languages">Indian languages</keyword>. </li></ul>After introducing Neural Machine Translation (NMT) capabilities for Indian languages in April last year, <keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> is making that same feature <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/12/google-brings-offline-neural-machine-translation-for-59-languages-to-its-translate-app/">available offline</a> on it’s Google Translate app, on both iOS and Android. Offline support may be rolling out in 59 languages, but it holds greater significance for countries where network penetration has yet to reach its potential and <a href="https://scroll.in/article/869822/its-not-just-your-network-indias-4g-speed-is-rubbish">connectivity</a> suffers due to network congestion. That is to say, countries like India. The significance of NMT lies in its approach to machine translation. It uses a neural network to make its translations. Graduating from the phrase by phrase system of translation, the NMT system goes sentence by sentence instead, making it faster and <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/googles-neural-machine-translation-for-indian-languages-heres-what-it-means/">more efficient</a>. 
	
	<div type="image" title="google" msid="64570847" hostid="261"></div>





(Source: <a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/gweb-uniblog-publish-prod/images/offline-comparison.max-1000x1000.png" data-type="tilCustomLink">Google</a>) As the image shows, offline translation isn’t quite accurate yet but <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-translate-nmt-875466/">‘almost’</a> as good as it’s online counterpart. Considering that 422 million people identify with Hindi as their <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/hindi-official-un-language-experts-divided-centres-move-and-spending-rs-5-cr-78002">primary</a> <keyword id="25898" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="language">language</keyword>, Google Translate may hold the potential to bridge the English-Hindi divide in India. Not to mention that the <a href="https://www.translatemedia.com/translation-blog/demand-localised-content-booming/">demand</a> for localised content is on the rise as well. According to <a href="https://www.blog.google/products/translate/offline-translations-are-now-lot-better-thanks-device-ai/">Google</a>, each language set only takes up 35-45MB. So, the download is small and won’t take up too much space on phones. Not only is that useful for entry-level smartphone users and users in low connectivity areas, but also for tourists visiting India constrained by roaming charges. The rollout of offline translation is phased, so some users may have to wait a little longer than others before they have the update on their devices.

Google Translate is getting offline support for 59 languages, including 7 from India

<ul><li><keyword id="7978681" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="av-organics">AV Organics</keyword>, a startup based out of Vadodara, has a new product called <keyword id="7978684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="evocus">Evocus</keyword> which is a black coloured drinking water. </li><li><keyword id="7978683" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-alkaline-water">Black alkaline water</keyword> is a popular concept abroad but is still in its infant stages in India. </li><li>The alternative to water is high in nutrients and has multiple health benefits that are yet to be fully proven.</li></ul>Black alkaline water has been a popular concept in many countries but in India, the idea of a black coloured water is new if not strange. But the 30-year old Aakash Vaghela who brought the product to India is excited about the prospects. Vaghela set up a startup AV Organics in 2018, and launched black alkaline water under the brand ‘Evocus’ in June this year. “I was studying the benefits of alkaline water when I started looking for its availability in India. I was surprised to see a handful of companies producing it at a very small scale,” Aakash Vaghela, founder of AV Organics told Business Insider. Alkaline water has a pH level more than 7. Even though it’s not been proven yet, it is reported to have <a href="https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/the-truth-about-alkaline-water-1548405860287.html">many benefits</a> – it has over 70 minerals with high pH level – like better metabolism and digestion, faster absorption of oxygen, detoxification, and many more. However, in India, it costs ₹100 a bottle, which can be considered a steep price for water. So, it’s expensive and less known. Vaghela is not putting all his eggs in this basket. He also runs his own real estate company in Vadodara. Fade to black As he jumped into the business of <keyword id="1773477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-water">black water</keyword>, he found other problems too– normal water when turned into alkaline returns back to normal in 72 hours. One can’t sell something like that. That’s when a US-based Dr. Norbert Chirase, who holds a PhD in Nutrition from Texas A&amp;M University, came to the rescue, providing scientific knowhow and technical expertise for product development. “Now, we source the minerals from the US and then at our manufacturing facility in Vadodara, we use these minerals to enrich the water. They hold the alkalinity of the water for over 12 months,” Vaghela said. Evocus – Labeled as a ‘nutrient water’ – is currently available in Pune (100 stores), Chandigarh (40), and Ahmedabad as well as on Amazon. Long way to go However, there is no awareness regarding alkaline water in India, so Vaghela has to build his brand as well as the product category. But he isn’t paying for expensive hoardings or television ads. Instead, online influencers get the increasingly health-conscious Indians, who can afford to pay 100 bucks a bottle, to look at black alkaline water. The premium water market is increasing in India with big brands like <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Companies/q8f66UTrWH4qvJ3tkEmlzO/CocaCola-to-launch-premium-water-brand-Smartwater.html">Coca Cola</a> too entering the space.

‘Black drinking water’ at ₹100 a bottle – a 30-year old Gujarati realtor’s new business idea for India's healthy brigade

Even <keyword id="3820" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> couldn’t have envisioned this coming. It’s an old adage that you get inspiration from anything. And <keyword id="4582148" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ravi-jagadamba">Ravi Jagadamba</keyword> took it too seriously. At Porbandar in Gujarat, <keyword id="2022" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravi">Ravi</keyword> has started his own paanipuri stall naming it <keyword id="4582147" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="jio-paanipuri">Jio Paanipuri</keyword>, where he sells dahipuri, sev puri, masala puri besides regular paanipuri. Not just the name, Ravi’s business strategy is as aggressive as Ambani’s. Just like <keyword id="2003276" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio">Jio</keyword>’s low priced plans, he is offering prime membership for his customers who can get unlimited number of paanipuris at Rs 100/ day or Rs 1000/ month. You can try having 20 paanipuris in the evening and return an hour after for the rest – that’s the flexibility of the plan. However you would need to pay in advance. And of course when Modi is so ecstatic about cashless economy, how can this Gujarati paanipuri seller stay aloof. He accepts payment through payment banks and debit card. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Your-neighbourhood-samosawala-may-be-earning-Rs-1-lakh-amonth-just-like-his-counterparts-in-Delhi-and-Mumbai/articleshow/54657748.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">ALSO READ: Your neighbourhood samosawala may be earning Rs 1 lakh a month, just like his counterparts in Delhi and Mumbai</a> Paanipuri is a popular Indian street snack available across the country and called by different names. While in the North its golgappa, in the East it becomes Fuchka and in the West of the country, its paanipuri. Indian street food sellers are masterminds when it comes to marketing. While hygiene still remains a question, even in the capital city of Delhi, these sellers mostly running around with their cart full of deliciousness and offer snacks at nominal prices. <keyword id="6354504" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword>’s schemes of offering unlimited data and calls at cheap price have disrupted the telecom industry with biggies bleeding badly in terms of profit when the rivals took recourse in similar schemes. We would need to wait for some time to find out if this marketing strategy of Ravi is copied by other street food sellers across the country. According to media reports, Ravi has managed to sell some hundreds of subscriptions till date, most of which came after his strategy got viral on social media. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Your-neighbourhood-samosawala-may-be-earning-Rs-1-lakh-amonth-just-like-his-counterparts-in-Delhi-and-Mumbai/articleshow/54657748.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">ALSO READ: Your neighbourhood samosawala may be earning Rs 1 lakh a month, just like his counterparts in Delhi and Mumbai</a>

Meet this Gujarati street food seller, who just introduced Jio like schemes of unlimited paanipuris

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, who is in <keyword id="6355311" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Japan">Japan</keyword> on an official visit, today said that he is a <keyword id="6369979" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Gujarati">Gujarati</keyword> and commerce is in his blood. "Being a Gujarati, money is in my blood...commerce is in my blood. Businesses do not need concessions. They only need the correct environment to flourish in," he said. 
 

	He also said that the "environment of disappointment" was over with the swearing-in of his government. He also promised quick clearances for the Japanese investors who invest in India. 
	 
	He also announced to set up a special team in his office to deal with proposals from Japan and also offered membership in his new team to two people selected by Japan. 
	 Modi also referred to the 5.7% <keyword id="47276" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Economic-growth">economic growth</keyword> achieved in the first quarter of FY2014-15. "It is a big jump. Now there is renewed hope," he said. 
	 He also referred to <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> without directly naming it when he said, "There are 18th-century-style ways and thinking that involve expanding (geographically) by taking away the land of another nation and going into seas. If Asia is to become the leader in the 21st century, Japan and India should lead."

Being A Gujarati, Commerce Is in My Blood, Says PM Modi

Last few days saw much hue and cry, mainly by politicians from down south led by <keyword id="6357766" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="DMK">DMK</keyword> chief Karunanidhi, over the Union <keyword id="6359327" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Home-Ministry">Home Ministry</keyword>’s directive to bureaucrats to use <keyword id="6357660" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="hindi">Hindi</keyword> on social media platforms. But was such a strong reaction to a normal advisory justified? 
 With Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> assuming office, Hindi has found the place it deserves in the corridors of power. After his swearing-in ceremony, Narendra Modi spoke to foreign dignitaries in Hindi. Even on his trip to Bhutan, his first official foreign visit, he addressed the Bhutanese Parliament in Hindi. 
 Before Modi, former prime minister <keyword id="47100" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Atal-Bihari-Vajpayee">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</keyword>, a great orator and accomplished poet, always used Hindi as his vehicle of communication. In 1977, Vajpayee addressed the annual assembly of the <keyword id="6355833" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="united-nations">United Nations</keyword> in Hindi and became the first Indian leader to address the UN in Hindi. But unlike Modi, he did not mind switching to <keyword id="42216" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="English">English</keyword> when addressing joint press conferences with his foreign contemporaries like Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and George Bush. 
 However, after the statesman unexpectedly lost the elections in 2004, Hindi, too, started losing its place of privilege in the corridors of power and was totally marginalised during the decade-long rule of former prime minister <keyword id="6359397" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manmohan-Singh">Manmohan Singh</keyword>. Although many international leaders of developed countries like China, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and Russia speak in their respective national languages even on foreign visits, Indian leaders have always taken pride in using English even in the Parliament. This was evident during the Manmohan Singh regime. 
 
Now, let’s come back to the present controversy over the use of Hindi. It all started with the Home Ministry issuing a directive to bureaucrats to use Hindi to convey message through social media. It’s pertinent to mention here that the directive was only meant for ‘social media messages’ and not for the official communications sent from the Centre to the states, which continue to be in the two official languages - Hindi and English. 
 Social media messages are meant for the general public. According to the 2001 census, Hindi is the mother tongue of more than 41% of the country’s population. Add to that 5% <keyword id="52565" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="urdu">Urdu</keyword> and 1% <keyword id="29621" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili">Maithili</keyword> speakers, which takes the percentage of people proficient enough in Hindi to more than 47%. Hindi is also used as a link language in states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Punjab and Goa – the states where Hindi is not spoken as the first language. Moreover, Hindi is also understood in many parts of southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and even north-eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. So what is wrong in asking bureaucrats to use Hindi on social media? Which other language can fulfil the purpose of reaching out to such a large population base? 
 
But the anti-Hindi crusaders of Tamil Nadu lost no time in raking up a controversy out of a non-issue. M Karunanidhi, chief of Tamil Nadu-based DMK party went on to say, "No one can deny it's beginning to impose Hindi against one's wish. This would be seen as an attempt to treat non-Hindi speakers as second class citizens." Where is the question of treating non-Hindi speakers as second citizens? 
 Barring Tamil Nadu, no other state has raised any objection to this direction. In fact, it is heartening that this time, the push for Hindi comes when the government is headed by someone whose native language is not Hindi (Narendra Modi’s mother tongue is <keyword id="6369979" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarati">Gujarati</keyword>). 
 Union Minister of State for Home <keyword id="638723" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kiren-Rijiju">Kiren Rijiju</keyword>, who belongs to the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, also voiced his support for Hindi. “Hindi is our <keyword id="71459" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Official-language">official language</keyword>, we have to promote Hindi," he said following the controversy. 
 
Noted poet Ashok Chakradhar also welcomed the move, saying “If this government is getting bureaucrats to use Hindi, it is a great idea. Hindi is understood by 80% of Indians who pick it up from popular films, songs and the media. But at the official level, no one is fighting for the language.” 
 
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi dates back to the 1960s. In 1950, the Constitution declared Hindi as the official language and English was to be used as secondary official language till 1965 to facilitate a smooth transition. But the DMK launched an anti-Hindi campaign in Tamil Nadu, during which, Hindi books and effigies of ‘Hindi demoness’ were burnt on village bonfires. Does it not reflect deep-seated anti-Hindi bias? 
 
The campaign soon turned into full scale riots, which led to the killing of 70 people, including two policemen. However, the riots catapulted the DMK to power in 1967 elections in the state as opposition to Hindi was a dominant election issue. 
 
Following large scale violence in Tamil Nadu, the Centre enacted the Official Language Act, 1963. The Act stated, “Notwithstanding the expiration of the period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution, the English language may, as from the appointed day, continue to be used in addition to Hindi.” 
 
One wonders why some Tamilians hate Hindi so much. In Gujarat, students are taught English, Gujarati and Hindi in schools. They never get offended or complained about imposition of Hindi. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the country and it should be promoted to facilitate easier communication throughout the country. But at the same time, the importance of regional languages should also not be undermined.

Hindi Chauvinism Or Anti-Hindi Bias?

The <keyword id="2219970" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Book-Night">World Book Night</keyword> (now in its fourth year and coincides with the <keyword id="2219971" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="UNESCO-International-Day-of-the-Book">UNESCO International Day of the Book</keyword>) came and went, but did it impact our life in any way? In the UK, 20 titles were selected and thousands of those <keyword id="5050" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="books">books</keyword> were given away for free on the night of <keyword id="6460904" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="April-23">April 23</keyword> to inspire people who “haven’t yet been turned on” to reading. A quick look at the list had us pleasantly surprised. It included the works of <keyword id="210859" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Agatha-Christie">Agatha Christie</keyword>, <keyword id="17397" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Jeffrey-archer">Jeffrey Archer</keyword>, <keyword id="324611" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="John-Grisham">John Grisham</keyword>, <keyword id="241349" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Roald-Dahl">Roald Dahl</keyword>, <keyword id="1367712" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Andy-McNab">Andy McNab</keyword> and others – mostly popular stuff that may actually drive reluctant readers back to the age-old habit of reading. 
 And that brings another startling fact to the forefront. If reading less is a global malady, men could be suffering more from it than their female counterparts. No, we are not getting gender-biased here. The findings came from a survey commissioned by the <keyword id="2219978" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Reading-Agency">Reading Agency</keyword> and conducted by <keyword id="2219982" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="OnePoll">OnePoll</keyword>. According to the report, researchers from OnePoll spoke to 2,000 British men and <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> ahead of the World Book Night and it was found that 75% of the men would watch the big screen version of a story, instead of reading the original book. In fact, 30% of the men said they had not read a book after their school days. 
 But in spite of all the statistics, reading does change one’s life. They say everyone can write at least one classic – their own life story. Surprisingly enough, we have one such book in our April list – the <keyword id="2219985" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Posthumous-collection">posthumous collection</keyword> of <keyword id="642178" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Essays">essays</keyword> and <keyword id="851600" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="short-stories">short stories</keyword> by a young <keyword id="2219988" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yale-graduate">Yale graduate</keyword> that has gone viral and read by at least 1.4 million people across 98 countries. That gives us great hope that books (in any format) will never become obsolete. Browse through our list of seven wonder works – analytical, inspirational, <keyword id="820033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="sublime">sublime</keyword>, but essentially a <keyword id="6374782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="journey">journey</keyword> towards a changing world order, a look into the changing times. 
 
Image: Thinkstock/Getty Images

April Read: Try These
7 Books To Usher In A Summer Of Change

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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