Indian New Year

In India, the New Year arrives with the onset of the Festival of Lights known as Deepawali or Diwali. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. This festival is celebrated with a great zeal of enthusiasm and joy throughout the country. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in different ways in different regions of India.

In major parts of north India, it is believed that Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after slaying the demon king Ravana. It is said that the people of Ayodhya lit small earthenware lamps to light up the streets of the town and this tradition has been kept alive till now. It is usually celebrated during the months of October-November. In the east, the festival is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and also to Goddess Kali, a reincarnation of Lakshmi.

In south, the New Year falls in the month of "chittirai" which lasts from April 14 - May 14. The New Year is celebrated on usually the 14th of April and is popularly known as "Vishu" and "Tamizh puthaandu". The day begins with an elaborate puja at home of household articles ranging from food to clothes to gold jewellery. An elaborate feast is prepared and the entrances of homes are decorated with flowers and the traditional rangolis called "kolam".