Vishu, Baisakhi, Nobo Borsho - A Second Take on New Year in the Middle of Spring

Online, April 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Are you behind on your New Year resolutions? Has the long winter that follows January 1 put a chill on your grand plans for 2010? Take heart. For many regions of South Asia, especially India, April 14 or April 15, 2010 (depending on the region) 2010 will mark the beginning of a new solar year and an opportunity for all of us to start anew.
In Kerala, to the South of India, Vishu is a major festival celebrating the New Year. The most important custom on Vishu is Vishu Kani. On Vishu, the first thing to be seen should be the Kani , a beautifully decorated tray with a prescribed list of items such as yellow flowers, a mirror and jewelry, kept in front of a statue of Lord Krishna. Kids are taken blind folded from their rooms to see the Kani, as it is believed to bring luck. Kids also enjoy gifts of cash from elders. Read more about Vishu 2010 here http://www.bloggermoms.com/vishu-celebrations-in-us/
In the North, it's time for Baisakhi, a harvest festival for the Rabi or winter crop. It is also a major festival of the Sikhs celebrating the commemoration of the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib by the Guru Gobind Singh.
Move east and you have Poila Baisakh (the first day of the month Baisakh of the solar calendar) or Nobo Borsho which celebrates new beginnings with wishes and sweets from friends and family. Local businesses in the East open new account books on this day (Haal Khata) and wish for good sales on this day to signal good sales ahead. Read more about Nobo Borsho 2010 here : http://www.bloggermoms.com/poila-baisakh-2010-or-nobo-borsho/
In the US, the Indian diaspora celebrates the festivals in local temples and at home, reaching out to friends and family. Some of the rituals like Vishu Kani are carried on by new parents in a new land. Customs of wishing friends and family on Poila Baisakh lives through Facebook status updates and tweets.
The beginning of a new year in the middle of spring, when the world seems to be rejoicing and celebrating with color and fragrance offers great opportunities for new beginnings. Whether you celebrate or not, think of the festivities to savor the excitement and use it for new beginnings. Relook at your resolutions if you need to (here is a list to get you started http://www.bloggermoms.com/top-10-new-year-resolutions-for-2010-for-moms/)
Its New Year Part Deux.