New Year Festivals in India

Ugadi
• Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Significance: Classical music concerts; no specific dance traditionally
associated.
Vishu
• Region: Kerala.
• Timeframe: Mid-April.
• Cultural Events: Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance performances reflecting the
rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Puthandu
• Region: Tamil Nadu.
• Timeframe: Mid-April.
• Cultural Events: Bharatanatyam performances, showcasing Tamil Nadu's
classical dance tradition.
Pohela Boishakh
• Regions: West Bengal, Bangladesh.
• Timeframe: Mid-April.
• Cultural Events: Mangal Shobhajatra processions with folk dances and songs;
traditional celebrations that exhibit the Bengali culture.
Baisakhi
• Regions: Punjab, Haryana.
• Timeframe: Mid-April.
• Cultural Events: Bhangra and Gidda dances that are emblematic of Punjabi
culture, especially in the context of celebrating the harvest.
Bihu
• Region: Assam.
• Timeframe: Mid-April.
• Cultural Events: Bihu dance, a folk dance from Assam that is an essential
component of the festival.
Navreh
• Celebrated by: Kashmiri Pandits.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Significance: Religious rituals and family gatherings; no specific dance
associated.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
• Celebrated by: Muslims.
• Timeframe: Varies annually.
• Cultural Significance: A time of religious observance and reflection; not
associated with dance.
Sikh New Year (Nanakshahi New Year)
• Celebrated by: Sikhs.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Significance: Gurbani Kirtan, the practice of singing hymns from the
Guru Granth Sahib.
Gudi Padwa

https://t.me/UPSCwithAteeq Telegram @ateeq991

 • Regions: Maharashtra, Goa.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Events: Lezim, a folk dance with a musical instrument, may sometimes
be performed during the celebration.
Shigmo or Shishirotsava
• Celebrated by: Konkani-speaking communities.
• Timeframe: March.
• Cultural Events: Folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi during Shigmo in Goa.
Cheti Chand
• Celebrated by: Sindhi community.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Significance: Cultural programs and community feasts; no specific
dance associated.
Ashadhi Beej
• Celebrated by: Kutchi community.
• Timeframe: June.
• Cultural Significance: Primarily focused on agricultural practices; no specific
cultural events highlighted for UPSC relevance.
Nepal Sambat
• Celebrated by: Nepali community.
• Timeframe: April.
• Cultural Significance: Traditional dances by the Newar community; more
regional in nature.
Jude Sheetal/Jur Sital
• Celebrated by: Maithili-speaking community.
• Timeframe: March.
• Cultural Significance: Traditional New Year's celebration; specific dances not
associated for UPSC relevance.
Navroz/Nowruz
• Celebrated by: Parsi community.
• Timeframe: March.
• Cultural Significance: Small community gatherings, feasts; traditional Persian
dances in a broader context.
Sajibu Cheiraoba
• Region: Manipur.
• Timeframe: March or April.
• Cultural Events: Thabal Chongba, a Manipuri folk dance, is often celebrated
during the festival.
Pana Sankranti
• Region: Odisha.
• Timeframe: April.
• Cultural Events: Odissi dance performances might be organized as part of the
festival celebrations.
Chalio/Chaiti Chhath
• Regions: North India (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
• Timeframe: March or April.

https://t.me/UPSCwithAteeq Telegram @ateeq991

 • Cultural Significance: Chhath Puja involves worship and fasting; not traditionally
associated with dance.
Losoong
• Region: Sikkim.
• Timeframe: December.
• Cultural Events: Chaam dance, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Bhutias,
is performed during Losoong.

https://t.me/UPSCwithAteeq Telegram @ateeq991