Chhoti Kashi Mandi all set for grand Hindu New Year celebrations tomorrow, Seri Stage dons festive hues

MANDI: A grand celebration will be held in Chhoti Kashi Mandi on March 30 to mark the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
According to the Panchang, the first day of Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month signifies the commencement of the new year in Hindu tradition. The event is being organised by Dharm Sangh Bhootnath Temple at the historic Seri Stage in Mandi city.

Dharm Sangh president Bheem Chand Saroch said that the celebrations would include a havan-yajna and several other programmes aimed at promoting Sanatan culture.

Initiative started three years ago

The organisation initiated large-scale Hindu New Year celebrations in Chhoti Kashi three years ago to reconnect the youth with their spiritual and cultural heritage.

To create a festive atmosphere, 200 saffron flags have been hoisted at various locations across the city.
A series of religious and cultural events will be organised to commemorate the occasion:
March 29; 3 pm: A bike rally will be conducted under the banner of Dharm Sangh Bhootnath Temple to spread awareness about the event.
March 30; 9 am: The day will begin with Ganpati Puja and idol installation, followed by a havan ceremony.
10.30 am: The havan purnahuti (final offerings) will take place.
11 am: The ceremonial lamp-lighting and Swasti Vachan (auspicious chants) will be conducted.
11.10 am: Saraswati Vandana (prayers to Goddess Saraswati) and yearly astrological predictions will be recited.
12.20 pm: The celebrations will feature folk music, Shehnai performances, and cultural programs.

Several top dignitaries to attend event

The event is expected to witness the presence of several dignitaries from various religious and social organisations.
Prominent figures such as Dr Om Sharma, Harish Vaidya, Naresh Kumar, Neeraj Handa and office-bearers of Dharm Sangh Bhootnath Temple will be in attendance.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was invited to the event. However, due to his pre-scheduled commitments and a busy itinerary, he will not be able to participate in the celebrations.

Hindu New Year and its significance

The Hindu New Year, known as Vikram Samvat, marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar and is observed with various regional festivals across India. Celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, it signifies renewal, prosperity, and the onset of spring.

Different regions mark the occasion with unique traditions. In Maharashtra and Goa, it is celebrated as Gudi Padwa, where people hoist a decorated flag called ‘Gudi’ outside their homes, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, it is known as Ugadi, where people engage in rituals like oil massages, special baths and the preparation of ‘pachadi’ — a dish that embodies six flavours, representing life’s different experiences.

In North India, the New Year coincides with Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, involving fasting, prayers and cultural events.

These celebrations across India highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and reinforce the themes of new beginnings, spiritual growth and community bonding.

Munish Sood