President Murmu Greets Nation on Chaitra New Year Festivals

President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to the citizens on 19 March, 2026 on the occasion of Chaitra Shukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba.

In a post on social media, the President said that these festivals, celebrated in different regions of the country to welcome the arrival of the new year, are vibrant symbols of India’s rich cultural diversity.

These festivals, which symbolize the arrival of the Indian New Year, are symbols of our faith and carriers of our ancient culture. They help strengthen the spirit of social harmony and brotherhood in our society. Through these festivals, we also express gratitude towards nature.

The Shukla Paksha of the month of Chaitra is the first fortnight of the Hindu New Year, which usually falls in March-April, during which spiritual transformation and major festivals are celebrated.

Major regional New Year festivals:

Sajibu Cheiraoba (Manipur): The traditional New Year of Manipur, in which traditional dances and rituals are performed using fermented soybean (chak-hao). It is a lunar-based New Year festival of the people who follow the 'Sanamahism' religion in the Indian state of Manipur.

The name 'Sajibu Nongma Panba' is derived from Manipuri words: 'Sajibu'—the first month of the year, which usually falls in the month of April according to the Meitei lunar calendar; 'Nongma'—the first day of the month; and 'Panba'—to be or to occur. Essentially, it means the first day of the month of Sajibu.

Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra): It symbolizes the beginning of the spring season and the harvest, where a 'Gudi' (a bamboo stick decorated with silk cloth and a copper vessel) is placed outside homes. This day is dedicated to Lord Brahma. It indicates that the harvest season is about to begin.

Ugadi (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka): On this day, a special dish 'Bevu-Bela' (a mixture of neem and jaggery) is prepared, which symbolizes the joys and sorrows of life. The day of Ugadi symbolizes the first new moon after the equinox.

Kolamulu or Rangoli are beautiful patterns and designs made on the floor, which are created on this occasion. This day is celebrated by making colorful patterns called 'Muggulu', decorating doors with mango leaves called 'Toran', preparing and sharing a special dish called 'Pachadi', and visiting Hindu temples.

It is locally known as 'Sauramana Ugadi' or 'Mesha Sankranti'.

Cheti Chand (Sindhi community): Cheti Chand or Sindhi New Year is celebrated on the occasion of the birth of Lord Jhulelal (Varun Dev). On this day, Lord Jhulelal is worshipped and this festival is celebrated by preparing delicious dishes like 'Tahiri' (sweet rice) and 'Sai Bhaji' (spinach cooked with chana dal).

Navreh (Kashmir): The New Year of Kashmiri Pandits, which is celebrated by decorating a plate with rice, fruits and flowers. This word is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Nav Varsha', which means 'New Year'. This day is dedicated to their deity 'Sharika' and on this day they offer their respects to her.

Navratri/New Samvatsar: It is the first day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Chaitra, which marks the beginning of the new Hindu calendar year according to the Vikram Samvat.