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.
Denne historien er fra January 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How the tables have turned
Fewer walk-ins, less waiting. India is finally making restaurant reservations. It is changing how the business is run, and of course, how we enjoy an evening out
Turns of the century
TV, beer, movies, architectural styles, words. Try not to feel old as these 10 things turn 100 years old this year
Cue updates, cue seven
Audi's once beloved Q7 SUV is back, witha new design and a trusty engine. But can it accelerate back to the top spot?
Avinash Tiwary
Actor, AvinashTiwary15
I do? Oh no, you don't!
Parents of single 30somethings are accepting that marriage isn't their child's end goal. Here's how they're making peace with their children's choices
For cold time's sake
Say what you will about Delhi, the winter season here still holds some magic. Especially when it comes to food
Sound bites
Crunchy textures are taking over our soups, salads, sushi, even desserts. Chefs break down the hype around the crisp and crackle, and the trick to getting it just right
Listen. They don't judge
Ditch your longsuffering bestie and tune into a relationship podcast instead. It's quicker and they know exactly what you're going through
Sexy and they know it
Why do we hate on artists who know they've got it? Sabrina Carpenter is just the latest bombshell facing the firing squad
Did you miss the signs?
Some films demand a rewatch, only to spot all the clues you didn't the first time. These 10 aren't your usual suspects. See what we did there?
