On Tuesday, the festival of Baisakhi will be celebrated across the country, albeit under different names. In various regions, Baisakhi marks the New Year, while in others, it signifies the harvest season. Here's a look at how Baisakhi is celebrated in different parts of India.

In North India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, it is known as Baisakhi and Mesha Sankranti. On this day, the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries, heralding the arrival of warmer days. In Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi is associated with the harvest and commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, marking a significant moment in Sikh history. In Uttarakhand, it is celebrated as ‘Bikhoti,’ while in Odisha, it is referred to as ‘Maha Vishuva Sankranti.’

In Uttarakhand, ‘Bikhoti’ will be observed on April 14-15, featuring special rituals dedicated to Latu Dev. Devotees offer grain-based prasad to the deities, and cultural fairs are held outside temples.

In Assam, April 14 marks Rongali Bihu, also celebrated as the Assamese New Year. On this day, people decorate their homes with rangoli and enjoy traditional sweet dishes. Similarly, in Bengal, Baisakhi is recognized as the New Year, starting with Poila Baisakh on April 14. A significant event, ‘Mangal Shobhajatra,’ is held, which is included in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.

In South India, the festival is celebrated as Vishu, the Malayalam New Year. In Kerala, it is customary to offer fresh yellow flowers to the deities, and some temples adorn the idols with gold and yellow blooms. In Tamil Nadu, Baisakhi is known as Puthandu, where households prepare a special dish called ‘Manga Pachadi,’ made from seasonal fruits, including mango, tamarind, jaggery, and neem.

This vibrant celebration showcases the unity in diversity that characterizes India, as people come together to honor their rich cultural heritage.