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Indian New Year |
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Not only Diwali marks the commencement of the new financial year and the harvest season, it is literally the beginning of new year according the lunar movement calculations of Hindu calendar. A warm welcome is given to the new year with twinkling lights all over and by sharing happiness with loved ones. It is one of the most awaited festivals of India. On one hand, farmers are rejoicing for the advent of harvesting season, the start of a new financial year for businessmen adds an element of religiosity to the bustling aura of urban regions.
Astrologically, Diwali falls on the concluding day of the Vikram Calendar, which is called Annakut Darshan. It indicates towards the end of one lunar cycle and it's entrance into another one. Special ritual of the day is to offer Chhappan Bhog (56 different types of food items) to the Almighty and then distribute it among the devotees.
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The agrarian society of India celebrate the occasion in a unique and rustic way. They exchange farm products as gift items and prepare the traditional dish called 'Poha' made of freshly taken rice flour from the farmland as a part of the feast. The old day celebratory mode is more than apparent in their jubilations of the festival. Whereas, businessmen open new account and ledger books on the day after offering prayer rituals.
Despite the vast difference between their modes of celebrations, Lakshmi Pujan holds a special place for people belonging to both groups. By dipping silver coins in unboiled milk, they perform the puja ritual with great devotion. After this arti is offered to the deity along with songs sung in her praise. People ask for her blessings to keep intact the wealth, prosperity and health in their household.
The rest of the country has their own way of celebrating the Indian new year. Companies pay bonus to their employees and shops offer huge discounts on their products. It is the time of the year when shopping spree is at it's peak. People buy things for themselves as well as their loved ones to present them as gifts. Therefore, there is a sign of prosperity everywhere with lots of material inflow.
Decorated homes, firecrackers dazzling the sky with varied colors and puja rituals making the environment heavenly on the Indian New Year. | |
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