Indias many New Year's days
While much of the Western world observes the new year on January 1, the concept assumes a more complex form in India. Our states have diverse historical and cultural narratives and thus have their own new year days according to the regional solar and lunar calendars. Add to this a dash of mythology and these annual celebrations have unique stories to tell.
Ugadi, observed in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, is believed to be the day that Brahma initiated the creation of the universe. Shiva had cursed Brahma, telling him that he would never be worshipped across the three realms, so Ugadi is a rare festival dedicated to Brahma. Other versions mark this day as the monumental event when Krishna renounced his physical body, signalling the end of Dwapar Yuga and the onset of Kali Yuga.
Maharashtra's Gudi Padwa also celebrates the creation of time by Brahma. Additionally, it is believed to be the day when Rama was crowned in Ayodhya after returning from his 14-year-long exile.
Vishu, in Kerala, observes the killing of Narakasura by Krishna. A demon born to Mother Earth, the asura had wreaked havoc upon the universe. Towards the end, he had not only conquered heaven, but also imprisoned 16,000 women as his concubines. With the help of Satyabhama, Krishna slayed Narakasura and embraced those women as his wives.
この記事は Brunch の January 21, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Brunch の January 21, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Hardik Singh
Hockey player, @HardikRail6
Cook, don't get cooked
Are you burning up in the kitchen? Try these cool hacks to beat the summer heat
Cut. Take two, please
Nobody asked for a new Pride and Prejudice film. Instead, here are 10 movies that truly deserve a do-over, with better actors, tighter plots or a modern twist
Not all bright and rosy
With vivid pinks and a hint of irony, Arpita Singh shows how disorienting the world can be for women pushed to the margins
You want to break free?
Quitting your 9-5 to become your own boss sounds like the dream. But are you ready for a different kind of grind?
Lost in the sauce
Condiments are no longer the sidekicks. Here's how chilli oil, tahini, pickles and aiolis stole the scene from the main dish
Vibe check
Delhi or Bern? Raclette or chaat? Alps or the Himalayas? Swiss-Indian singer BombayMami debates which country does it better, and where her loyalties lie
The stars are aligning
With three Michelin wins, it's a big week for Indian food, and for the country's new wave of under-40 chefs and restaurateurs
Expand your palette
Why do romcoms love the desi girlwhite guy trope? It's overdone and outdated. The real interracial diversity is on Insta Reels
Last-minute cram session
What's an extra suitcase in the grand scheme of things? Ditch the minimalism and pack what you want
