India's Diverse New Year: Beyond January 1st, Traditional Celebrations Thrive

• Not all of India observes New Year on January 1st; many traditional celebrations follow lunar, solar, or lunisolar calendars.
• These traditional New Years are linked to seasons, harvests, and religious cycles, occurring at various times throughout the year.
• States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra celebrate Ugadi/Gudi Padwa in March-April.
• Tamil Nadu and Kerala mark Puthandu/Vishu around April 14/15, while Assam and West Bengal celebrate Bohag Bihu/Poila Boishakh in April.
• Other communities like Sindhis (Cheti Chand), Kashmiris (Navreh), and Gujaratis (Nutan Varsh) also have their unique New Year festivals.

Why It Matters: India's New Year celebrations are diverse, extending beyond January 1st with rich traditional festivals.