On the occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Sajibu Cherooba, Navreh and Chetichand, celebrated on 25 March this year, President Ram Nath Kovind has extended greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen.
- The President said that these festivals, celebrated in the spring, reflect the many colours of our country’s cultural grandeur and rich heritage. These festivals are also a part of our glorious traditions, where we share happiness and fortune with others.
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa
- Ugadi festival is celebrated on Pratipada date of Chaitra Shukla. This festival is mainly celebrated in the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as ‘Gudi Padwa’.
- ‘Gudi’ means ‘Vijay Patka’. It is said that Shalivahana defeated powerful enemies (Shakas) with an army of mud soldiers. Shalivahana Saka as a symbol of this victory begins on this day. Whereas ‘Yugadi’ is formed by the combination of the words ‘Yuga’ and ‘Adi’. On this day, Chaitra Navratri begins.
- This date has been given great importance in the scriptures. According to the scriptures, the coronation and the golden age of Lord Rama began on this day. Therefore, the importance of this day has been described. On this date, the festival of Goddess worship begins with Chaitra Navratra.
Sajibu Cherooba
- Sajibu Cheraoba is the lunar new year for people following Sanamahism, which is celebrated on 25 March this year. It is mainly celebrated by people belonging to Manipur, it is the first day of Sajibu month which falls in March or April.
Navreh
- Kashmiri Pandits celebrate their New Year day, known as ‘Navreh’, on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada or the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the month of Chaitra. The word ‘Navreh’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nava Varsha’ which means New Year.
Chetchand
- Chetichand is an important festival celebrated by the people of Sindhi community living in India and Pakistan, which is celebrated on the first day of New Year. Sindhis settled in other parts of the world also celebrate Chetichand. It is celebrated on the second day of the month of Chaitra (i.e. the next day of the year Pratipada (Shuklapaksha)) according to the Hindu calendar.