By: Surinder Jain.
Chaitra Sukhladi is a significant Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the traditional New Year and the harvest season. It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March or April. This year, Chaitra Sukhladi will be celebrated on April 9, 2024[7].
The festival holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar as it is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, started the creation process on this day. Thus, it is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, such as starting new ventures and projects, which are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity[1][2].
The history behind the celebration of Chaitra Sukhladi is rooted in Hindu mythology, where it is said that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It is a day of new beginnings and reflects the Hindu philosophy of cyclical time and regeneration. Unlike other cultures that may celebrate the New Year during winter, Hindus prefer to celebrate with the warmth and renewal of spring[3].
Hindus celebrate Chaitra Sukhladi with various traditional foods. In Maharashtra, a special dish called Shrikhand-Puri is prepared, while in Karnataka, a dish called Holige, made of jaggery and lentils, is popular[1]. These dishes are symbolic of the sweetness and richness of life.
The rituals and customs associated with Chaitra Sukhladi include waking up early, taking a ritualistic bath, decorating homes with rangolis and flowers, and offering prayers to Lord Brahma. People also wear new clothes and exchange sweets and gifts with family and friends. In some regions, mango leaves and colorful rangolis are used for home decoration, and special dishes like pulihora and bobbatlu are prepared[2].
Chaitra Sukhladi is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm, especially in regions such as Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. People come together to celebrate this day with great zeal, and the festive spirit is high[1].
The festival is inclusive, and people of all faiths can join in the celebrations. It is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, and the emphasis is on the cultural and social aspects of the festival rather than religious exclusivity[1][2].
In Australia, the Hindu Council of Australia is a good starting point to find out about local celebrations of Chaitra Sukhladi. They may organize events or have information on where the festival is being celebrated within the country. Since the festival is celebrated by various Indian communities in Australia, you might find events in cities with significant Indian populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth[3]. It would be advisable to check with local Indian cultural associations or Hindu temples in these cities for specific event details and how you can participate in the celebrations.
Citations:
[1] https://hoovufresh.com/blogs/festival-highlights-1/chaitra-sukhladi-significance-and-celebrations
[2] https://liberty1947.com/blog/festivals/why-is-chaithra-sukhladi-celebrated
[3] https://hinducouncil.com.au/new/to-the-new-beginnings/
[4] https://isha.sadhguru.org/linga-bhairavi/in/en/events/lunar-hindu-new-year
[5] https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/chaitra-sukhladi-2024
[6] https://www.twinkl.com/event/chaitra-sukhladi-2024
[7] https://time.astrosage.com/holidays/india/chaitra-sukhladi?language=mr&year=2024
