For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
We saw a few weeks ago Telugu New Year aka Ugadi occurring on which day many other states in India also celebrated this. Today, April 14th (2023) a few other states in India celebrate the New Year – People hailing from Tamil Nadu call it is Puthandu; and those who hail from Kerala state call it Vishu; while someone from Punjab state call it Baisakhi and from the state of West Bengal call it Pohela Boisakh. From people hailing from Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand states is simply called Vaisakhi.
No matter what state you are from the festival signifies new beginnings. Each state follows their traditions of Poojas (= offering prayers and food) to their Gods that they follow and celebrate the day with lots of fun activities with friends and families around. Visiting temples of your choice God is also a tradition that is followed.
I got an opportunity to be part of Baisakhi at the local Gurudwara in a neighboring town albeit a couple days later. š
Galavant Reflections 