Hyderabad: Hyderabad, often referred to as a mini India, wore a festive look with people from four different states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Odisha — celebrating their traditional New Year. This day also marked the arrival of spring and the beginning of the harvest season for agricultural families.At Sri Subramanya Swamy Devalayam, popularly known as Skandagiri Temple in Padmaraonagar, Tamil families gathered to witness the reading of the Panchangam on the occasion of Puthandu or Puthuvarudam. According to the temple priest, “Abhishekam to Lord Subramanya Swamy was performed, a significant ritual conducted to seek blessings and welcome the new year. The deity is offered milk, curd, honey, ghee, and flowers.”As part of the temple tradition, newly-wedded couples came to exchange garlands in front of the deity. The couple explained that this ritual is believed to bring harmony and longevity to the relationship.In areas Trimulgherry, Yapral, Bolaram, Alwal, among others, which have large Tamil populations settled for generations, the celebrations were vibrant. According to Perumala Dharmendra, a resident of Yapral, “Tamil families have been an integral part of this state since the 17th century. Our forefathers served in the railways, hospitals, and the army. We celebrate the New Year with great pomp, inviting friends and associates from other communities who also join us, often wearing our traditional attire.”Malayalis welcomed the New Year with Vishu, an important festival that marks the beginning of spring and the sun’s transition into Mesha Rashi. A large number of people participated in the celebrations. On this day, Lord Krishna is installed in homes and adorned with fruits and flowers.According to Alambat Prasanth Kumar from Kozhikode, now residing in Madhapur and a music composer for several songs on Vishu, “Celebrations begin the night before to welcome the first rays of the sun. This is a festival of prosperity. In earlier times, life revolved around harvests, and the future of families depended on agriculture. We continue the tradition, believing that a good harvest is essential.”Vinitha, describing the role of women in preparing Vishu, said, “We begin the day by seeing the Vishu Kani (a tray of auspicious items), followed by preparing a traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast) and visiting temples. Seeing the Kani first thing in the morning is believed to bring luck and prosperity. After all family members have seen the Kani, the eldest distributes Vishu Kaineetam — money kept for this purpose is given to the children and family members.”Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, marks the Assamese New Year. Celebrated with great joy, it is the time when farmers offer prayers before sowing seeds, marking the onset of a new agricultural year.According to Dhruba Nanda Roy, a native of Kokrajhar, Assam, residing in Gachibowli, “This festival is about joy, love, and togetherness. As farmers prepare for a challenging agricultural year, often marred by monsoon floods and thunderstorms, we take this time to celebrate life, as the future is uncertain.”She added, “This is not a religious festival but a cultural tradition that reflects the philosophy that life must be celebrated despite the hardships ahead.”Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti, marks the beginning of the Odia New Year. Based on astrology, a new Panchangam (almanac) is released on this day. Adbuth Das, a resident of Madhapur, shared, “We worship the Sun God and, in rural areas, decorate cattle and visit fields. Though we live in the city, we perform puja at home and celebrate the day with our families.”
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