As March transitions into April, India witnesses a vibrant array of festivals, heralding the arrival of the Hindu New Year. On April 9th, the nation celebrates the beginning of the new Vikram Samvat, symbolising Lord Brahma's creation of the universe. Across various states, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, along with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa, mark the onset of the New Year. Chaitra Navratri spans the country's observances, followed by Vaisakhi in Punjab and Haryana on April 13th. April 14th sees the festivities of Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu Kani in Kerala, Bihu in Assam and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal, each commemorating the New Year. Furthermore, April 14th is widely recognised as Ambedkar Jayanti throughout India. Concluding the Chaitra Navratri celebrations, April 17th commemorates Rama Navami, honouring the birth of Lord Rama, considered the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Vibrant festivities across the UK
A variety of celebrations are scheduled across the UK. On April 21st, the Sarbojonin Baba Lokenath Association UK invites everyone to commemorate Pohela Boishakh and Bengali New Year 1431, along with Pitha Utshob, from 5:30 to 10:30 pm at the Ripple Center. On April 27th, the Jagannath Hall Alumni Association UK will mark Bengali Nabonorsho at the Mountnessing Village Hall, Brentwood, with rituals, cultural programs, and much more from 5 to 10:30 pm. Adda will host Bengali New Year 1431 celebrations on April 27th from 6:30 to 10:30 pm at Norway Drive. The Sutton Bengali Association has organised Bengali New Year festivities on April 20th from 4 to 10 pm at Carshalton. Hullor will celebrate Bengali New Year in Hounslow on April 20th at 11 am, with paid entry. Additionally, the Redbridge Boishakhi Mela Trust presents the 'Baisakhi Mela' on April 14th at Ilford Town Hall from 2 to 8 pm, featuring live music, dance, stalls, and more.
Telugu Association of London (TAL) has organised Ugadi celebrations on 27 April around 1 to 10 pm at Sattavis Patidar Centre at Wembley Park with paid entry.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is set to host Vaisakhi 2024 community day on April 20th, from 12 to 4 pm, featuring live music performances, South Asian cuisine, and more. Following this, on May 12th, the UK's largest Vaisakhi celebrations, 'Vaisakhi Park', will take place from 12 noon to 7 pm at Victoria Park, Smethwick which includes Gatka, Langar, fair and much more. Additionally, on April 7th, The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall (SGSSS) organised their annual Southall Vaisakhi procession, known as nagar kirtan, which attracted participation from ten thousand individuals, starting from Guru Nanak Road (Havelock Road) Gurdwara and ending at the Park Avenue Gurdwara.
