Vaisakhadi, also known as Vishu or Bihu, is a festival that is celebrated in various parts of India, including Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal. It is typically observed on or around April 14th, which is the first day of the Hindu solar calendar.
The festival is celebrated as a symbol of the arrival of spring and the start of a new year. It is a time of joy, hope, and renewal, as people welcome the new year with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.
In Kerala, Vaisakhadi is known as Vishu, which means "equal" in Malayalam. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is considered to be one of the most important festivals in the state. On this day, people wake up early in the morning and visit the temple to seek blessings for the new year. They then prepare a special feast that includes traditional dishes such as Vishu kanji, a type of rice porridge, and Vishu katta, a sweet dish made from rice flour and coconut milk.
In addition to the feast, people also prepare a special arrangement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other items known as the Vishukkani. The Vishukkani is set up the night before the festival, and it is the first thing that people see when they wake up on Vaisakhadi. It is believed that the Vishukkani brings good luck and prosperity for the new year.
In Assam, Vaisakhadi is known as Bihu, and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festival is spread over three days, and each day has its own significance. The first day, known as Goru Bihu, is dedicated to the cows and other domestic animals. People bathe the animals and offer them special food as a sign of respect and gratitude.
The second day, known as Manuh Bihu, is dedicated to human beings. People wear new clothes and visit their friends and relatives to exchange greetings and gifts. They also indulge in traditional Assamese cuisine, including pitha, a type of rice cake.
The third day, known as Gosai Bihu, is dedicated to the supreme lord. People visit the temple and offer prayers for good health, prosperity, and happiness. They also participate in traditional dance performances known as Bihu dance, which is a symbol of joy and celebration.
In West Bengal, Vaisakhadi is celebrated as Naba Barsha, which means "new year" in Bengali. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people welcome the new year with new clothes, traditional sweets, and prayers. On this day, people visit the temple to seek blessings for the new year and offer prayers to Goddess Durga, who is considered to be the symbol of power and strength.
In conclusion, Vaisakhadi is a festival that is celebrated in various parts of India with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time of renewal and hope, as people welcome the new year with renewed energy and purpose. Whether it is Vishu in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, or Naba Barsha in West Bengal, the festival is a symbol of the rich cultural diversity and unity that exists in India.