If you want to get into a completely new and unusual environment during the New Year holidays, go to the resorts of India. The land of contrasts will give you an unforgettable New Year experience.

How is New Year celebrated in India?

Many holidays in this country are tied to religious dates. Since the New Year does not have such a binding, modern traditions and customs are already characteristic of it. Local and visiting youth often celebrate the New Year in clubs, restaurants or parties. For those tourists who are looking for something unusual in this bright family holiday, we advise you to pay attention to carnivals and processions, which have already become a tradition for many Indian states.

For example, in Goa, where the local population is about 25% of Catholics, the New Year is somewhat reminiscent of the traditional celebration of Christmas by Europeans, only instead of a beautiful Christmas tree, in Goa, a festive outfit is worn on a mango tree. New Year's processions in India are held on a scale typical for this country, for example, on the streets you can meet archers competing with each other, or admire the ability of local yogis to walk on a hot coal.

History of the New Year in India

In Hinduism, there are no holidays similar to the New Year. At the same time, there are several similar traditional events, which in their scope and significance can be comparable to the New Year. In particular, we are talking about the autumn festival of Diwali dedicated to fire and light. As a rule, thousands of lanterns and candles are lit on the streets of the city, illuminated boats float along the rivers, and the soundtrack in the form of fireworks repeats the thunderous sounds of the New Year with amazing accuracy.

Diwali continues for several days. All this time, the locals have been praising the goddess of fortune Lakshmi. The holiday is considered a family one, but mass festivities on the streets are not prohibited, especially since a large number of Indian families take part in them.

What date is New Year in India?

The traditional New Year for India takes place in the spring, and the date of this holiday depends on the location. In some states it is March 26, in others - April 13 and so on. This New Year is tied to the lunar calendar. There are different names for this holiday - Vaisakhi, Vishu, Ugadi. The aforementioned Diwali takes place in October and is today called the “Autumn” New Year, so that there is no confusion.

They decided to celebrate their own New Year in North India. There, during our Old New Year (January 13-14), Lori is celebrated.

Since India is a popular tourist destination, the New Year in India is also celebrated on December 31, when millions of tourists can plunge into the atmosphere of their favorite holiday taking place under the bright rays of the sun.

Traditions and customs of meeting the New Year holiday

The first day of almost any major holiday in India must be accompanied by good behavior. A person should not be irritable, rude or harsh. It is interesting that, as in our country, in India, the locals believe that they will spend the next year the same as its first day.

Different variations of the New Year have their own customs. For example, during the Lori holiday, it is customary to make fires around which the parikrama ritual is performed, simply put, a round dance.

In addition to the traditional walking on coals or flamboyant processions, in India you can see such unusual performances as the swinging of statues of gods on a swing.

New year indian table

Traditional dishes are typical for each of the holidays similar to the New Year. On January 13-14, during the Lori period, Indians eat corn and baked rice. In spring and autumn, raita appears on the tables of local residents - a kind of okroshka, which is prepared in accordance with the national recipe.

Another popular dish for many holidays in India is biryani. This is pilaf with lamb, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and, of course, Indian spices known all over the world are added to this pilaf. For dessert, you will be offered whipped cream with ginger.

Gifts for New Year in India

The tradition of exchanging gifts has taken root in many countries. India was no exception. Here it is accepted to give a variety of decorations and culinary dishes (especially sweets, fruits and nuts) throughout the entire period of a particular holiday. Recall that the New Year in India is celebrated several times, and each holiday can last for several days or weeks.

Symbols and decorations of Indian New Year

India is known all over the world for a riot of colors in clothing and other external attributes. The streets of cities are also motley decorated during various holidays. Modern multi-colored lighting is complemented by classic decorations such as bright bonfires and candles.

Interestingly, among the traditional decorations during the Indian New Year celebrations, costumes made from dried banana leaves stand out. Such outfits are worn along with a mask that well covers the face of the brave owner of a banana suit.

For travelers going to India, there is a unique opportunity to visit one or several New Year holidays at once. Thus, you can not only relax on the ocean shore, but also plunge into the amazing festive atmosphere. The company "Ayurveda Tour" offers for its tourists the author's tour "Diwali Holiday" - learn more about the tour, and you can also book it.

New Year in India: bright photos and videos, detailed description and reviews of the New Year in India event in 2020.

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New Year's Eve on December 31 in India is celebrated not so long ago, and this explains the absence of any local traditions associated with it. The holiday came from Europe, it is purely secular, since none of the religions present in the country is mentioned. It is celebrated mainly by young people; corporate events are organized in large companies similar to many countries in Europe and the New World.

Of all the religious denominations, Christians love the New Year in India the most. For example, there are many Catholics in Goa, so the festive events are quite large-scale.

New Year in India is different from European. For example, they decorate here not a Christmas tree, but a mango tree, and not with toys, but with vegetables and fruits. The most popular gift is sweets. New Year's treats in India are pretty spiced - it is believed that the pungency of the dishes is directly proportional to the amount of happiness in the coming year. The main dish of the festive table is "berian", in other words, pilaf, which can be meat and vegetarian.

Indians believe that the year will be the same as its first day. For this reason, on January 1, they are extremely complacent and try their best to be calm, well-fed and happy.

In addition to that New Year, which is celebrated in India, trying to "keep up" with the whole world, there are many more holidays, one way or another connected with the coming of the next year. For example, on the night of January 14, Lori is celebrated in the north of the country, a cross between the Old New Year and Shrovetide: they burn stuffed animals, cook corn and rice on this fire, walk around the fire and eat the cooked ones.

Lunar New Year comes in the spring and is what most Indians celebrate. In some states, carnivals and festivities last up to a month. In October there is another New Year, Diwali, which is also the "festival of fire", which is celebrated with fireworks, and the streets are decorated with lanterns and candles.

And these are only the most massive holidays, in fact, there are even more of them, therefore, the New Year in India can be met almost at any time of the year.

We invite you on the most atmospheric New Year's journey that we will celebrate in Indian Venice with fireworks, music, dancing, gifts and Indian goodies. But this is not all: we will see the colorful capital of Delhi, the city from the book "Shantaram", thousands of Hampi temples, the best beaches of Goa, visit the jungle, waterfalls and much more interesting things.

What will we do on the tour

DIVE IN THE REAL INDIA

We will study the culture and traditions of India, become for a while real Indians, merge with the local flavor, and also you will feel like a real traveler making discoveries every minute, experience the thrill of adventure and gain a useful personal experience.

THE MOST AVAILABLE AND RICH TRAVELS

Everyone can afford our trips, because we want as many people as possible to make the trip of their dreams come true. We do not sit in a hotel, but explore sacred wells and spend evenings on the roof in the elephant village, we will go to colorful local cafes and do yoga in the foothills of the Himalayas. We will consider all facets of India - from expensive hotels to slums, from ancient temples to modern megacities, from the Himalayas to the beaches of GOA!

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH AND FRIENDLY COMPANY

You will get help from buying a convenient flight and visa to things in your backpack. We take small groups so that the trip is always like a trip for friends. An experienced guide will be with you all the time - a traveler, not even a friend - a traveler who will answer all questions, serve as an interpreter, conduct the coolest excursions and will not let anyone get bored!

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Detailed program

Delhi: 1 day

We meet in the capital of India - Delhi and set off to explore the noisiest and most diverse city in India. We will arrange tuk-tuk races, because today we are waiting for the magnificent Bahai Lotus Temple and the monumental temple complex - Akshardam, which is the real pinnacle of building art. On the way, we will see the capital full of colors, taste the best Indian cuisine, soak up the aroma of spices and temple incense and see how poverty and untold wealth, luxurious cars and ubiquitous rickshaws, carriages and cows, the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar and the incessant music of mantras coexist here.

Agra: 1 day

From Delhi the road to Agra to the extravagant monument of Love - Taj Mahal awaits us. Here we will examine the greatest building from all angles, arrange a photo session in saris and turbans, take a look at the Red Fort, where the Indian army is still based, and then have dinner on the roof overlooking the sunset, which is truly beautiful against the background of the mausoleum.

Udaipur: 3 days

To celebrate the New Year in a special way, we will go to one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Venice of India, the city of Udaipur! Where we will celebrate our favorite holiday in a cozy rooftop restaurant, with the best view of the romantic lake Pichola, along which are located the snow-white palaces of the Maharajas and beautiful ancient temples. As in an oriental fairy tale, we will dance to the fiery Indian music, not forgetting to try all the traditional delicacies and drinks. And, of course, we will blow up the night with fireworks and fireworks, as well as pleasant gifts, in order to remember this magical moment for a long time. The next day, along with a festive mood, we will go on a boat trip along the lake, along the banks of which there are carved marble attractions: the City Palace, the Lake Palace and the Jagdish Temple, in the evening we will have traditional dances, gourmet cuisine of Rajasthan and a beautiful sunset that can be met at the top Muson Palace.

Mumbai: 2 days

A huge oceanfront metropolis with its incomparable flavor and a mixture of different cultures. Welcome to the world from the book "Shantaram" (by the way, we will also visit the cafe "Leopold"), the architecture of colonial Britain, the Zoroastrian towers of silence, an unforgettable journey across the ocean to the island of Elephanta to the ancient caves. And of course, we will walk through the world's largest slums of Dharavi with a local guide who will show all the most amazing places, and we will also not forget to watch a real Indian movie in the center of Bollywood!

North Goa (Arambol): 2 days

Hello, hello, sandy paradise beaches, warm ocean and shade for complete happiness coconut trees! It is a hub for trance parties, unbridled breakout and of course exceptional local culture. A place where you will meet completely different people: from hippies to ordinary Russian tourists. Take the bike and fly where you wanted - to complete freedom! You will be charged with positive energy and good mood for the whole year ahead!

Humpi: 2 days

A small village in the middle of the ancient ruins of the majestic Vijayanagara. Once upon a time one of the greatest southern empires flourished here. For every thousand inhabitants, there are three thousand temples carved in local stone. This is a world where little has changed since ancient times: peasants work in flooded rice fields, fishermen fish in the same round bamboo boats that their ancestors used to fish 400 years ago. Around are landscapes from the cinema, the atmosphere of an ancient civilization and you - with a camera in your hands, a smile on your face and the look of a person who has discovered a new wonderful world!

South Goa (Palolem): 3 days

Wild sandy beaches await us, where you can do yoga and meditation.
This is the perfect place to take a kayak and swim with flocks of dolphins into the sunset. We will also take a walk to the turtle beach and ride along the river with mangrove trees, where we will feed real sea eagles. We give free rein to swimming, beach vacations, and Hawaiian and Ayurvedic massage awaits us. Around the beautiful nature, serene silence and harmony.

Other days

Included in cost

• Organization of travel, assistance at all stages: from buying a plane ticket to things in a backpack.
• Entrance fees to all attractions
• Meals (3 meals a day of your choice from the Indian menu)
• Spiritual practices (yoga on the ocean)
• Wellness (Ayurvedic massage)
• Flexible routes, we can change the program and add places as we wish
• All hotels (double occupancy in traditional Indian hotels and family guesthouses)
• Themed entertainment (mehendi hand painting from real Indian masters, traditional dances, Indian cinema and much more)
• Accompaniment by the best and funniest guide throughout the trip to India
• All transfers (trains, buses, taxis, motorcycle rickshaws)
• Active rest (trekking in the forts, kayaking, boat trip to Butterfly beach, jeeping to Dauladsakhar waterfall, optional paragliding))
• Non-touristy places, meeting our Indian friends
• 7 days Delhi - Udaipur - Mumbai $ 700
• 10 days Delhi - Udaipur - Mumbai - North Goa $ 800
• 15 days Delhi - Udaipur - Mumbai - North Goa - Hampi - Bagwan Mahavir (Dudsagar) - South Goa $ 900
• Convenient payment system:
• 1.190 $ - book a place in the group *
• 2.300 $ - balance of org. collection 30 days before travel
• 3. Take the rest of the money with you to India
• * Prepayment is made in rubles at the current exchange rate of the Central Bank

Not included in the price

• flight to Delhi ($ 400 - $ 500)
• flight Goa-Delhi (60-80 $)
• visa ($ 25)
• insurance ($ 10-15)
• personal expenses on a tour to Goa (shopping, souvenirs, etc.)

Flights

The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Delhi and back is about 35,000 rubles.

Travel Expert

Maxim is the organizer of author's travels and tours - diving to India and Nepal! Travel is a triple delight: anticipation, fulfillment, and remembering. And if we are talking about India, then all emotions can be safely multiplied by ten! A real Immersion in INDIA awaits you! We will go to the country where civilization was born more than 5000 years ago, to the homeland of chess, yoga, algebra and geometry, Ayurveda, the sacred Vedas and Sanskrit, the country where Buddha preached, and the Dalai Lama lives, where the great Himalayas are located and the river Ganges flows , home to more than 1 billion people, 80% of whom are vegetarians. It is a place of contrasts and colors, a concentration of ancient knowledge and tremendous spiritual energy mixed with slums and the smell of spices. This is a different world with its own traditions and sounds, indescribable beauty and exceptional culture, a place so mysterious and mysterious that it will take more than one trip to learn and understand it, and you will want to come back here again and again. Our idea is to organize the most affordable atmospheric travel in India and Nepal. But this is not some usual sightseeing tour with dull excursions and a boring guide, but real adventures in a friendly company of friends and like-minded people who will be pulled out of their everyday routine and returned home as a changed person! We will visit the most interesting non-tourist routes that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the centuries-old cultures of these countries, bring peace and a feeling that dreams are beginning to come true! hide

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Reviews (7)

All guides Maxim, Kristina, Katya are great, they know a lot, they are active and positive. Claims to the organizer - Order the cheapest guesthouses with ratings below the plinth sa. I myself ordered very decent hotels in Goa (Palolem) and Delhi for little money. The transfers could have been more comfortable. For example, a coupe instead of a reserved seat, a flight from Udaipur to Mumbai instead of a 16 hour bus.

Joined the site since September, 2019

"New Years in India" is a real gift. Had a great time. Very good organizers Christina and Maxim, very attentive, sympathetic, trying to hear everyone and take into account personal interests and desires. It should be noted that they themselves are very deep, compassionate, generous, kind and joyful. They have a lot to learn, I was delighted with their deepest calmness and steadfastness in any situations, and kindness just shines from their hearts. If you doubt whether it is worth going, and not deceived, but whether it will be interesting or some other thoughts are swarming in your head, then the answer is an unequivocal "YES" - 100% worth it, they are great, they love their job and live it. In India, everyone gets what they want. It changes us from the inside, the picture of the world, the feeling of the world, the vision of the world and, of course, also changes personal values. When you get to India you come back different. How? And everyone will answer this question himself. Someone will become kinder, someone will look deeper at things, someone will feel the value of life, someone will become more compassionate, someone more patient, someone will learn to accept everything as it is, someone will become wiser, and someone will begin to thank immensely for what he has and will be able to appreciate the gifts that have been given to him truly and deeply. A lot of things can be seen there, wonderful, beautiful, magical and beautiful, and perhaps something else. After all, it no longer depends on the place where we come, but solely on us from the actions, words and thoughts that we did, said and thought earlier that what we brought into the world, then inevitably returns to us. I thank India, Maxim and Christina, my husband Alexander and all the guys who taught me a lot, and without each of you everything would have been different. I love you dear ones and may you have everything with a "+" sign.

Hello everyone, I was in India for the New Year, and I went to this country for the first time. The journey started in Delhi, which at first gave me a strange impression. smoldering. Let's say Delhi is not the cleanest city in terms of ecology ... but after visiting the Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Gurudwara of the Sikhs, trying Indian cuisine and just walking the streets and looking at the way of life of people in Delhi, my impression began to change for the better. Then there was Agra. Our hotel was located next to the Taj Mahal, where on the first night I was overwhelmed by some strange feeling ... I was sitting on the roof of the hotel, looking at the night Taj Mahal and could not tear myself away from it for about an hour ... after which I realized that there was some unearthly, attractive forces ... And from that moment I began to understand that India is something special, maybe even magical ... Then Jaipur. We stopped in a suburb, in a house where an Indian family lives. The hostess prepared the delicious food for us herself. In the house I felt the hospitality and comfort of this family, they are wonderful ... Mumbai. This city is something special and crazy at the same time. Here I began to enjoy the Indian flavor, architecture ... Arambol - we lived in rooms on the seashore ... It was unforgettable to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the sea ... Fireworks for the new year - it was a miracle !!! Hampi - we walked through the local villages and studied the way of life of the peasants, saw how they still cultivate the land with a plow and oxen, grow rice, etc. Palolem - unforgettable evenings at the bar by the sea with a view of the sunset - this place is divine !!! We visited many sights on our route, we went through a lot together. Thanks to the group. I did not begin to describe in this review the feelings from each attraction that we visited on this trip, because each attraction is something special, mysterious, full of impressions and full of history and special energy. India ... you can study it, study it, study it ... every time you discover something new for yourself and in yourself ... She returned with a great charge of positive energy from this trip !!! Thanks to Katya, Maxim, Christina - the trip was organized very thoughtfully to the smallest detail !!! With their help, I learned a lot of insider information about this wonderful country, which is very important for a beginner, I always felt informed in advance, and the richness of the trip, leisure activities and care was felt throughout the trip !!!

India is distinguished by a unique culture, a variety of religious trends and customs of big holidays. A tourist to visit the territory of such a country on the eve of the New Year holidays is not only interesting, but also exciting.

As in India they celebrate the traditional New Year: celebrations are held with invited loved ones. Songs are sung, stories are told, treats are tasted, and gifts are exchanged.

New Year in India

Modern, Slavic understandable New Year in India has been celebrated for the last 7-10 years. There is no single tradition of transition to a new life cycle - there are many religious movements in the country, each of which has its own ideas about the cycle, about its beginning and its end.

Have you been to India for New Years?

YesNot

When New Year is celebrated in the territory of modern India:

• January 1 - this date is suitable for celebrating the young generation, which is focused on the study of European culture;
• religious people celebrate the New Year in spring - the holiday lasts for several days, during which time people have time to relax, visit relatives and friends, cleanse themselves, plan life for next year;
• the main celebrations that are considered traditional and "real" fall on the days of worship of a particular deity - the power to worship determines the main traditions that local residents adhere to.

Anyone can go to India, but in order to feel its true essence, it is necessary to discard prejudices: openness to new knowledge will allow you to feel a foreign culture, to penetrate it, to understand its origins.

Time of the celebration

There are 5 main New Years for the people of India. A tourist can get to each of them without knowing it. Lori day falls by mid-January: it is a holiday of the end of winter, when all natural comes to life and then transforms. Vishu Day is celebrated in March. The lunar calendar helps determine the exact date of the celebration.

In April, an NG dedicated to Waysaki meets. The celebration is widespread only in the remote regions of India.

The New Year's Eve celebration in summer falls on Kashmir. Diwali is celebrated in the fall - the day is called the autumn New Year. Each holiday has its own history, which the indigenous people honor and respect.

New year indian holidays

New Year's Day on January 1 is a relatively young holiday. It does not have many traditions, so it is celebrated in a European manner.

There is no Indian flavor at the celebration, so it is better to plan a trip in spring or autumn, when you will be able to see the real culture of the country.

Before any celebration, Hindus cleanse their dwellings, and then their bodies. Cleaning rituals are performed by adults and children.

You cannot meet a new life cycle without release from anger or resentment. They carry out general cleaning of the home with the whole family.

New Year in India and its traditions are associated with the fulfillment of a karmic duty: therefore old things, garbage, trash are thrown out of the house.

The discarded items cannot be picked up - this is a very bad omen. The bodies are painted before the most important holiday. For this, henna is used: the craftswomen practice this form of art for a whole year.

To celebrate the New Year, festive clothes are bought. Even poor Indians are saving money for new things. According to legend, the better dressed the owner of the house, the more success will come to him. You can't skimp on treats. Once a year, the Indians allow themselves different delicacies. Holidays are held among loved ones, loved ones.

Holiday - Lori

The famous Indian New Year is celebrated on January 13th. The celebration lasts 2-3 days. Symbolizes the significant day of the departure of winter. From this day on, the cold will disappear, and the Indians can prepare for the arrival of heat. A popular celebration in the north of the country. In the central part, they prefer to celebrate NG in the spring.

Native people are going to this day. Everyone brings a treat, which is placed on the festive table. The oldest member of the family receives guests. Prayers are read, and after them the feast begins. Drinks are not prepared on Lori: the Indians are stocking up on strength for the upcoming work on the fertile land.

Holiday - Vishu

This New Year has many names. It is celebrated by modern adherents of Hinduism. A celebration is common among residents of the central part of India and is often held in front of surprised tourists. In the south of the country, Vichu is the main day in 12 months.

On this day, the dead are remembered, and all the hardships of the past year are released. The lunar calendar is used to determine the exact date of the celebration. NG often coincides with the day of the spring solstice. Vishu is celebrated from March 20 to 22. Fresh fruits and vegetables are brought to the festival.

Until nightfall, NG is not celebrated: as soon as the sun sets, the owner of the house says goodbye to the guests and remains alone with his thoughts. It is important to analyze the last 12 months. You need a day to work on yourself, not for celebrations and fun. For a tourist, such a holiday format may seem wrong, but he must respect the traditions of the Hindus.

Holiday - Diwali

Diwali is the main holiday of the country. It is celebrated in all regions and falls on an autumn day. The outgoing year is held within a week: during this time, the Hindu must have time to visit all the relatives, go to the reservoir and spend a quiet, family evening there.

Only close relatives are invited. Warm meals are prepared and alcoholic drinks are selected - Hindus do not drink much alcohol, but on such a big day they can take some liberties.

In early September, right after the autumn NG, local residents are preparing for the arrival of winter. The past cycle ends, and a new one begins - by this time the Hindu must draw the necessary conclusions, get rid of everything that burdens his soul.

The celebration of autumn NG in India is taking place on a grand scale in the capital. Theatrical processions are held here, and the locals dress up in a variety of costumes. To celebrate the new cycle, the Hindus spare no effort: they dance until the morning, chasing away evil spirits.

Indian New Year traditions

For Hindus, harmony in everything is important. If this is a celebration, then it should be combined with the inner mood. Big cities like fun and noisy parties. Residents and guests gather in the streets and have fun until the morning.

Dances, songs, mass festivities - all this can be found in modern India, filled with traditions brought from abroad.

Celebrations are held on the street: if there is a river nearby, Indians gather by the water and lay out treats on the sand. On these days, it is customary to share and distribute food, even if the locals themselves need it.

Traditional dishes are seasoned with various spices: the more of them, the faster the body is cleansed of evil spirits - ancient legends speak about this.

New Year's customs are combined with natural phenomena. On autumn NG, the Indians have one last chance to enjoy the last warmth.

Outcome

India for the New Year is a transformed, unusual, unique country. Its culture is so diverse that having visited different provinces, you can see radically different traditions.

When we are asked this question, we are reminded of the hot climate, jungle, monuments, elephants and the aroma of oriental spices. But how much do we know about Indian traditions and their holidays? For example, when and how do Indians celebrate the New Year?

Now, when European culture is gradually penetrating the East, India has begun to celebrate the New Year, which is familiar to us, on the night of December 31 to January 1. But our beloved winter holiday has not yet become widespread in exotic India. It is celebrated mainly in large cities of the country, and its traditions are no different from European ones, except that they do not have such a scale and spread that we are used to at home.

Let's plunge into history

Indians celebrate the traditional New Year in the spring. The date of the holiday varies from state to state in India. In Andhra Pradesh, New Year is celebrated on March 26, in West Bengali on April 13, and in Tamil Nadu on 14.

The coming of the New Year in India is a very bright and colorful celebration marked by an indescribable oriental flavor. Having seen them once, it is impossible to forget them. Carnival processions and noisy fairs are held on the streets of towns and villages. If you dream of feeling the unique atmosphere of an oriental bazaar, and even seasoned with a festive mood, be sure to go to India these days.

Is there a New Year in India?

According to ancient traditions, in Hinduism there is no such holiday as the New Year. There is the so-called Duvali holiday, which is also distinguished by its original traditions. Moreover, no one knows for certain where this tradition came from, and, over the years, the history of its origin has overgrown with so many rumors and assumptions that it becomes much more difficult to reveal the truth.

Diwali is also called the "Festival of Lights". It bears this name because the holiday itself is a symbolic triumph of good over evil. And in honor of this, all the streets of the cities are full of lanterns and candles. Moreover, all this fun of the mind lasts from late October to early December. Throughout the entire time, such an original tradition has been observed: gifts are given to each other, lamps are lit. So that the mood and positiveness overwhelm the residents for a long time, which gives them the opportunity to enjoy the holiday and present it to others.

New Year is a family holiday

For Hindus, as well as for us, it is customary to celebrate this day with family. It is also called "Vishu Holiday", according to local traditions. Its celebration falls on the first month, which lasts from the end of March to April inclusive. Even in spite of the fact that this celebration is a purely intimate and individual holiday, it was not without bright and purely traditional rituals. India is a land of contrasts. This also applies to the New Year, which is not complete without carnival processions, and even then difficult ones. The locals of the city dress up in skirts made from dried leaves ... banana! Of course, not everyone can walk down the street in this form, therefore another adornment of people is a mask that tightly hides the face.

New Year at the Assams

The first day of the New Year's celebration is called Mount Bihu (in other words, the festival of the cows). This day is entirely dedicated to the fact that the population honors the cows. To this end, women prepare all kinds of delicacies the day before, and the next day they feed them to animals. In the next two days, the so-called song and dance festival begins, the result of which is the selection of the best dancer.

India is a country of bright colors and wonderful aromas. And on holidays, it is especially filled with a multi-colored fragrance. For example, in North India it is customary to decorate oneself with fresh flowers on New Year's days. Pink, red, white and purple shades are especially popular. And in South India, fruits are an invariable attribute of the holiday. Just imagine the variety of exotic tastes and smells that the fruits of this exotic country can surprise us with!

In Central India, it is customary to decorate houses with orange flags and light lights on the roofs at night. An obligatory element of the holiday is the burning of a stuffed animal or an elegantly decorated tree. This tradition is reminiscent of the ancient rite of burning Shrovetide, which our ancestors arranged at the end of the Oil Week.

During public festivities throughout India, locals jump over fires, arrange archery and kite flying competitions. They also sprinkle each other with colored powder or paint. And obligatory on the days of the holidays should be a good mood and attention to others. Indians these days send each other baskets of fruits, nuts and flowers, thus showing attention and care.

Signs and traditions

According to Indian beliefs, the first day of the New Year is considered a landmark, because at this time one cannot afford to be irritable, harsh and rude. As in our country, there is a sign that the first day should be spent as we would like the whole year to pass. Therefore, for tourists it is a great opportunity to make the future 364 days bright, having met the festival on the shores of the warm and inviting Indian Ocean.

When it comes to holiday celebrations, there are some undeniable traditions that are carried out throughout the country. One of the central events is the burning of an effigy or simply a ceremony of decorating a tree. And this is not all entertainment. The participants of the celebration happily place statues of gods on the swing and swing them, and also love to jump over fire and walk on coals. The original contests are invented with the participation of men and women who oppose each other. Representatives of all ages sprinkle themselves with multi-colored powder and paint themselves, which gives not only a charge of cheerfulness, but also a feeling of happiness.

Among the traditions that are honored by the local population as well as by tourists, there is one that is even considered sacred. These include the worship of the goddess Lakshmi, who patronizes wealth. However, not only it is considered sacred on New Year's Eve. The god of love Kama is also not ignored, as well as Krishna, the main lover of games with cowherd boys.

Regardless of whether you decide to arrange a New Year vacation in India or want to become a guest of the traditional spring New Year celebration, this wonderful country will give you a lot of new impressions and make your holiday unforgettable.