Every year, mid-April bursts into color, rhythm, and flavor across the Commonwealth as multiple communities, cultures, and faiths usher in their traditional New Years. These celebrations, rooted in centuries-old agricultural cycles and astrological beliefs, are vibrant markers of renewal, unity, and cultural identity. The new year is celebrated as a national holiday in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, known as Pohela Boishakh.
In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year—called Aluth Avurudda by Sinhalese Buddhists and Puthandu or Puththandu by Tamil Hindus—is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. This celebration is based on the sun’s movement from Meena Rashiya (Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (Aries), symbolizing a fresh start. Core rituals such as boiling milk in a new clay pot to symbolize abundance are performed, while traditional foods like kiribath (milk rice), kavum, kokis, and athirasa are lovingly prepared and shared. Families exchange betel leaves in a practice called Ganu Denu and indulge in traditional games like Kotta Pora (pillow fighting) and Kamba Adeema (tug-of-war), reinforcing community bonds and intergenerational joy.
The diaspora communities from India to Sri Lanka and across the globe keep these traditions alive. In Canada, events like those organized by the Sri Lankan Friendship Association of British Columbia and the Sri Lanka Association of Saskatoon bring together performances, food, and games. Temples like the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar in Toronto host special Puthandu prayers. In the UK, centers like Athula Dassana provide a space for young British-Sri Lankans to experience their heritage through dance, music, and traditional games. In South Africa, celebrations across Johannesburg and Durban include cricket matches, sack races. Australia and Tanzania, too, see cricket, cultural shows, and traditional dances bring communities together in homesick joy.
While Sri Lanka and India mark their New Year on April 14, the wider Indian subcontinent lights up in celebration too. In Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated with fervor on April 13 or 14. Farmers mark the spring harvest season with processions, bhangra and gidda dances, and temple visits. The festival is also deeply significant in Sikhism as it commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.
In Kerala, Vishu welcomes the Malayalam New Year with the ritual of Vishukkani—the auspicious first sight of the day, arranged with gold, vegetables, fruits, rice, and flowers in front of Lord Krishna’s idol. Firecrackers, family meals, and traditional clothing complete the celebration.
In Tamil Nadu, Puthandu is celebrated with elaborate kolams (rangoli), mango-based dishes like Mangai Pachadi—a bittersweet dish representing the ups and downs of life—and visits to temples. In West Bengal and Bangladesh, Poila Boishakh is celebrated on April 15, kicking off the Bengali calendar year 1432. The streets come alive with mangal shobhajatra processions, music, and feasts.
Odisha’s Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishubha Sankranti, is observed by preparing Bela Pana—a drink made from bael fruit—symbolizing health and divine blessings. Assam lights up with Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, where communities gather to dance the Bihu, sing folk songs, and welcome the sowing season with cultural pride.
Meanwhile, the Maithili community in Bihar and Jharkhand celebrates Jude Sheetal. Known as the Maithili New Year, it involves cooling rituals, symbolic food offerings, and a connection to ancestral customs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized these cultural celebrations this year, offering greetings on Puthandu, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, and the Odia New Year on X (formerly Twitter), underlining the country’s rich diversity and unity in celebration.
Interestingly, between 35% and 40% of Indians celebrate Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (March–April) as their new year, under various names like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Cheti Chand among Sindhis, and Thapna among Marwaris. The dish Ugadi Pachhadi, with six distinct tastes, is a highlight—symbolizing the emotional spectrum of life.
As Indian and Sri Lankan communities mark these days across the globe—from Canada and the UK to South Africa, Tanzania, and Australia—the core message remains one of renewal, gratitude, and shared heritage. These festivals aren’t just traditional—they are living, evolving stories that bring together generations, even across oceans.
