Kolkata: Communities across the city are ushering in a new year with prayers and traditional food. From Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Navreh to Cheti Chand and Sajibu Cheiraoba, the celebrations reflect Kolkata’s cultural vibrancy. Families from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka celebrated Ugadi on Thursday. For them, it is the time to reconnect with roots, family, and culture. Ugadi Pachadi is a symbolic chutney that represents life itself — bringing together sweet, sour, bitter, and tangy flavours, much like the experiences we encounter in life. The ingredients are freshly sourced from local markets and the dish is consumed in the morning after a ritual bath, according to Nishi Pulugurtha who lives in Kasba. “In Kolkata, awareness about Ugadi is still limited. Yet, those who do know about it make a heartfelt effort to extend their wishes and often show curiosity about the customs and traditions,” Pulugurtha said.Gudi Padwa, celebrated by Marathis, marks the beginning of the traditional new year. The word “Gudi” refers to a long bamboo stick draped with a new cloth or saree, topped with an inverted copper pot, symbolising prosperity, auspicious beginnings, and a tribute to the valour of warriors. “A special garland made of neem leaves, sugar-coated sweets, and elements in orange and white represents the balance of life — its bitter and sweet moments — encouraging people to welcome the year. On this day, traditional delicacies like shrikhand and puri made from whole wheat flour are prepared and shared among family members,” said Neha Birari Goenka from the Maidan area.Sujata Vaishampayan, a resident of Ballygunge, said her celebration began with an early morning puja on Thursday. “Bhajans started by 5.30 pm. Later, we headed to the Maharashtra Mandal in Hazra for dinner. Though the group was small — around 60-70 — the festival is celebrated with immense joy, warmth, and a strong sense of cultural belonging,” she said.Sajibu Cheiraoba, the traditional new year festival of the Meitei community in Manipur, saw vibrant celebrations in city pockets. The day is centred around purification and renewal. Homes and surroundings are cleaned, special meals are prepared, and prayers are offered to deities and ancestors. “Through environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and community effort, Sajibu Cheiraoba continues to thrive, bridging generations and geographies while staying deeply rooted in its cultural essence,” said Rojit Keisham, general secretary of Manipuri In Kolkata (MIK), an organisation supporting the Manipuri diaspora in the city.Kolkata’s Kashmiris marked the onset of the new year with Navreh celebrations. Ashoke Pandit said, “As we look upon the sacred thaal this morning, may the rice bring abundance, the walnuts bring wisdom, and the mirror reflect a year full of joy. Navreh Mubarak to you and your family.”Seema Sapru from Santoshpur, who celebrates Navreh every year, said, “The Kashmiri Pandit community gathers at a Kashmiri Sabha in Salt Lake a few days after Navreh for a celebration.” Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, chairman of IHA Foundation and general secretary of Gurdwara Behala, who is associated with United Interfaith Foundation, highlighted that the celebration of Cheti Chand is also a meaningful effort to pass on Sindhi cultural values to the younger generation. Murli Punjabi, secretary of Sindhi Panchayat in the city, said, “The Sindhis of Kolkata started their celebrations with a bang at Calcutta Punjab Club Ltd. Rajasthani musicians belted out popular Sindhi tunes.”
