Nabavarsa, the Hindu New Year, falls on April 14 and 15, bringing communities together to celebrate. Across various regions, people observe the occasion with unique traditions, customs, and family gatherings. Whether celebrated as Baisakhi, Vishu, Bihu, Bisoba Milan, or Poila Baishakh, the central theme of these festivities is the new harvest, with a focus on fresh paddy and the enjoyment of traditional feasts. The celebrations offer an opportunity to pray for a prosperous year ahead, share meals made with freshly harvested rice and jaggery, and immerse in vibrant cultural events that symbolize renewal and unity.

In the morning, community members will offer prayers to their ancestral deities, while the evening is reserved for cultural performances in their native languages. The celebration also involves wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods, all contributing to the joy and sense of togetherness that marks the New Year.

For Bengalis, Poila Baishakh, which falls on April 15, is the day to visit the goddess Kali in the morning to pray for a prosperous and safe year ahead. In the evening, cultural events like song, dance, recitation, and skits are performed, culminating in a sweet note with misti mukh, or the tradition of eating sweets to mark the occasion. The Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, the oldest socio-cultural group in Navi Mumbai, will host a grand cultural evening on April 15. The event will feature Surajit Nandi and his troupe, who will perform a captivating musical and instrumental show.

As part of the celebrations, Misti Affair, a popular Bengali sweet shop based in Navi Mumbai, will showcase a variety of delectable Bengali sweets during the Nababarsa celebration at the association premises in Vashi. The selection includes Suvo Nababarso Sandesh, a new twist on the traditional sweetmeat, as well as fusion treats like Alphonso Fusion Sandesh, aam papri malai chamcham, kesar rajbhog, chamcham paturi, Gur Rabri, and Alphonso Malai bowls, among other innovative and flavourful sweets created especially for the Bengali New Year.

Meanwhile, the Punjabi community will celebrate Baisakhi on April 14, marking their New Year with a vibrant festival. Various city groups will come together on April 13, the evening before Baisakhi, to host colourful events. The Cause Traveller Social Welfare Association, in collaboration with Earth Soul Event, will present Sunheri Kanka at CBD Belapur, offering an evening full of cultural performances that celebrate Punjab’s rich heritage. The event will be an opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy traditional music, dance, and performances in honour of Baisakhi.

Additionally, Cause Traveller, an NGO focused on raising awareness about organ donation, will use this cultural event as a platform to promote the cause. The team will also conduct a blood donation camp on the morning of April 13 at the Kharghar Gurudwara in recognition of Baisakhi, encouraging the community to contribute to this noble cause.