The first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha marks the start of the year in most regions of Bharat that follow the Lunisolar Hindu calendar*. This New Year festival (Varsha Pratipada) is marked by Marathi, Konkani, Kanadinga, Telugu, Kashmiri and Sindhi-speaking Hindus and by some members of Hindi, Nepali and Rajasthani linguistic groups. Ugadi, Yugadi and Navreh are some of the regional names of this day. Taking place on the same or the following day Cheti Chand is the appearance day of Jhulela,l the Patron Deva of the Sindhi community who originate from Sindh (SE Pakistan). Jhulelal is regarded as an avatar of Varuna (deity of water) and the embodiment of the Sindhu (Indus) River. Since partition, the majority of Hindus left Sindh and are dispersed across India and the diaspora hence Cheti Chand is an important reminder of the indigenous traditions of a land where Hinduism is sadly fast disappearing.
This day also marks the start of Vasanta Navaratri, a period of nine nights dedicated to the sadhana (spiritual practices) of Devi, the Divine feminine. Throughout the year, there are several Navaratris, dedicated to different forms of Devi. The most significant Navaratri falls in Autumn, followed by the current Navaratri in Vasant (spring).
About the image: Ugadi Pachadi is made from Jaggery (sweet), unripe mango (astringent), tamarind (sour), neem flowers (bitter), salt and pepper (hot). This is a traditional New Year dish eaten by Kanadinga and Telugu communities. The mix flavours represent the mix of experiences; highs and lows, that will come in the year ahead and that each person should be prepared to embrace.
*A minority of Hindus (i.e Gujaratis, Newaris etc.) follow the Lunisolar calendar but observe New Year at Diwali. The remaining Hindu communities mark their new year in as per the Solar Calendar
Photo credit Ms Sarah Welch via Wikimedia Commons under creative commons license