From Maharashtra's Gudi Padwa to Kerala's Vishu, and from Punjab's Vaisakhi to Assam's Bohag Bihu, India boasts a rich tapestry of regional New Year festivities, each accompanied by a delectable array of festive foods.
As mid-April heralds the onset of these celebrations, let's delve into the culinary delights that grace the tables during these joyous occasions.
Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa celebrations are incomplete without the indulgence in Puran poli, a delectable channa flour paratha stuffed with jaggery or sugar, and generously topped with ghee.
Accompanied by creamy saffron-infused shrikhand and a flavourful spread of masala bhaat, puris, and aloo bhaaji, this festive menu is a culinary delight for the senses. Additionally, the inclusion of mavinkayi chitranna, a rice preparation featuring raw mangoes, adds a tangy twist to the festivities.
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi festivities are marked by the traditional Bevu Bella or Ugadi pachadi, a flavourful concoction symbolizing the various flavours of life, including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and acidic. Made with neem flowers, raw mango, tamarind, and jaggery water, this refreshing drink sets the tone for the New Year.
Poila Boishakh of Bengal
Bengal's Poila Boishakh celebrations are synonymous with the creamy payesh, enriched with bay leaves, cashews, raisins, and sweetened with sugar or jaggery.
This delectable dessert takes center stage amidst a feast comprising luchi, dhokar dalna, chaal potol, and kosha mangsho showcasing the diverse flavours of Bengali cuisine.
Bohag Bihu in Assam
Assam's Bohag Bihu celebrations are characterized by an array of festive pithas, made with ground rice powder, jaggery, sesame, and coconut. From the fried ghila pitha to the iconic til pitha, these traditional treats epitomize the essence of Bihu festivities. Accompanied by Assamese larus and mini meals featuring flattened rice or sticky rice, the culinary offerings of Bohag Bihu are a celebration of Assamese culture and heritage.
Vaisakhi of Punjab
Punjab's Vaisakhi celebrations are incomplete without the indulgence in gur ke chawal and gur ki kheer, sweet delicacies that epitomize the spirit of the festival.
Complemented by hearty dishes like pindi chole and kadhi chawal, the Vaisakhi feast is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Punjab.
Vishu in Kerala
Kerala's Vishu celebrations revolve around the ceremonial setting of the kani, a cornucopia of fresh harvest displayed in front of the family deity. Featuring nourishing dishes like Vishu kanji, upperi, and mathanga erissery, the Vishu menu reflects the abundance of seasonal produce and the spirit of prosperity.