The Four Indian Festivals On One Day!

By Staff

Monday, March 22, 2010, 11:41

As a country that boasts unity in diversity, India has much to rejoice on April 14, 2009. Indians are celebrating four cultural festivals on this day-Bihu, Naba Barsh, Puthandu Pirappu and Vishu.

Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. It has an agricultural and seasonal background.

Naba Barsh is the celebration of Bengali New Year. It marks the first day of Baisakh- the first month of Bengali Calendar.

Puthandu Pirappu marks the Tamil New Year"s Day. It is celebrated in the beginning of Chithirai the first month in the Tamil Calendar year.

Vishu is a festival held in Kerala in South India. It is considered as the harvest festival of Kerala. The festival marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and brings with it memories of a glorious past and hopes of a better tomorrow.

Indian President Pratibha Patil has greeted the nation on the occasion.

"On the auspicious occasion of Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsh, Puthandu Pirappu, and Vishu, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my countrymen. These festivals celebrated in different parts of the country, denote the underlying unity of our rich and diverse culture and strengthen the pluralistic heritage of the nation. May the festivals bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all," she said.

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