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Home , Bohag Bihu, Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Khalsa, New Year, Pana Sankranti

Vaisakhi , , A celebration for new beginnings. and

For many , 13th and 14th marks the celebration of (va-SAH-kee) or Baisakhi. This is held almost every year on the same day and is known as the solar new West , year for some Hindu communities. This is not universal for all , parts of Assam, Hindus, as some consider , , and as and the start of the , leading to several different origins as to the significance of why Vaisakhi is celebrated.

The first day ofVaisakhi recognizes the Assam traditional solar new year for many and is celebrated in diverse ways to mark Referred to as Bohag or Rongali the spring harvest and the sacredness Bihu, celebrations lasting seven days mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year, of rivers in Hindu culture. Some believe clothes, visiting temples, and starting the which usually takes place during the second that Vaisakhi originated several thousand new fiscal year for accounting and locally week of April. Each day holds a particular years ago as came to owned businesses. will be drawn significance in honoring the harvest crops and Earth to help rid humanity of its sins and and decorated at the entrances of homes tends to be a unifying celebration for all the many Hindus will take pilgrimages to seek and temples. a blessing by bathing in the sacred Ganga different communities in Assam regardless of background or religious affiliation. Assamese river. The sacredness of rivers in Hindu Tamil Nadu communities as well as the honoring of celebrate with feasts, music and dancing and the past year crops make Vaisakhi a long hang brass, copper or silver pots on poles in , also known as Puthuvarusham or established ancient to front of their house. Tamil New Year, is the first day of the month celebrate the agricultural year and to pray on the Tamil . Observations on this for an abundant crop for the next season. Odisha day include cleaning up homes and visits to the temple or family with fruits, All throughout , Vaisakhi has various Referred to as Maha Vishuva or flowers and auspicious items. People wear regional names and significant celebrations , this is the Odia new year in new clothes and families get together and to honor the rich traditions of this . Odisha and celebrated on April 14th every enjoy a celebratory meal. year. It is customary to visit , , Uttrakhand or / temples as some believe Bihar and Nepal The Bikhoti Festival rings in the new year this is the day that Lord Hanuman was and observers will take dips in the holy river born. Festivities include walking over hot In the Mithal of Bihar and Nepal, the new and beat stones that represent demons with coals (symbolizing liberation from physical year is celebrated as Jurshita. It is traditional sticks to help usher out any negative energy pain), serving the speciality drink Pana (a to use lotus leaves to serve (a powdered while welcoming new blessings. mixture of , yogurt, and other meal derived from grains of red gram and other ingredients), and classical and folk dancing ingredients) to family members. Kerala performances. Many homes will hang Neem or Tulsi branches at the front of their home as Vaisakhi & the Sikh Residents of Kerala celebrate by they are said to have health benefits. Community spending with family and preparing auspicious offerings such as golden , Tripura, parts of In addition to the many Hindus that celebrate flowers, , and money or silver to Lord Assam, and Bangladesh Vaisakhi, the Sikh community hold Vaisakhi and Lord . After prayer in high regard as it commemorates the services, either at home or at the temple, The new year is celebrated as Pahela establishment of the (collective family people of all ages enjoy and Baishakh on April 14th by people of Bengali of all initiated ) in 1699. Vaisakhi is , wear new clothes and sadya heritage, regardless of religious . Singing, considered the traditional Sikh new year and (a special meal made with a mix of sour, fairs, parades and family time are ways that is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab sweet, salty and bitter food items) is served. celebrate as well as wearing new and other neighboring states.

Hindu American Foundation Promoting dignity, mutual repect, and pluralism. For educational purposes only. hinduamerican.org Questions? Email us: [email protected] Vaisakhi ART ACTIVITY Share your coloring activities with us on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #vaisakhiwithhaf in your post for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account: @hinduamerican.

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Hindu American Foundation Promoting dignity, mutual repect, and pluralism. For educational purposes only. hinduamerican.org Questions? Email us: [email protected]