Context:
Ugadi Mahotsavam concludes with traditional rituals at Srisailam.
Ugadi:
- Also known as Yugadi
- Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
- Marks the Telugu and Kannada New Year.
Other Major Traditional New Year Festivals in India:
| Festival | Region/Community | Significance | Unique Features |
| Chaitra Sukladi | North India | Marks the Hindu New Year based on the lunar calendar | Associated with Chaitra Navratri dedicated to Goddess Durga |
| Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra, Goa | Victory of good over evil | Gudi (decorated flag) is hoisted outside homes |
| Cheti Chand | Sindhi community | Celebrated as Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti (honoring deity Jhulelal) | |
| Navreh | Kashmir | Kashmiri New Year dedicated to Goddess Sharika | |
| Sajibu Cheiraoba | Manipur | Meitei New Year, falling on the first lunar day of the Sajibu month (March/April) | |
| Puthandu | Tamil Nadu | Tamil New Year | Kolam decorations and festive feasts |
| Baisakhi | Punjab | Sikh New Year and harvest festival | Celebrated with Bhangra and Gidda dances |
| Bohag Bihu | Assam | Assamese New Year and harvest festival | Bihu dance and traditional feasts |
| Pohela Boishakh | West Bengal | Bengali New Year | Cultural processions and special meals |
| Sarhul | Jharkhand (tribal communities) | Worship of Sal tree and marking the New Year | Rooted in nature worship, celebrating union of Sun and Earth |
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
Traditions: Communities
1. Chalia Sahib Festival: Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra: Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari: Santhals
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a)