New Year is celebrated by different communities at different times of the year. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra. The day is called ‘Gudi Padva’ by the Maharashtrian community.
Tamilians celebrate their New Year on April 13. It is called ‘Vashaparapu’ by the Tamilians, meaning beginning of the year. Christians celebrate their New Year on January 1.
On New Year’s Eve, a dummy of an old man is made. This old man signifies all that should be put away like evil thoughts, bad behaviour, etc.
The dummy is kept on the road or in lanes and passers-by drop coins into the tin that is kept besides the old man. The dummy of the old man is then set on fire at 12.00 midnight sharp. The burning of the old man marks the end of the old year and the start of a new year.
Jubel D’Cruz
Mumbai, India
