Mumbai: On Monday morning, it was not the troubles that the hectic schedule which the first day of the week brings for Surya Gauda and his family who resides in Kurla. For the natives of Odisha, the first thing they gave priority was HOW the celebration of Pakhala Dibasa would unfold.
Pakhala Dibasa
Pakhala Dibasa is celebrated in Odisha and Pravasi Odiaties. The day marks the onset of summer and Pakahala- a delicacy served to Lord Jagannath. Gauda said, “Summer temperatures are very high so this dish cools us down.” Pakhala is fermented rice that also has salt, and curd and is consumed with many other delicacies.
While Pakhala marks the onset of summer celebrations, Yugadi or Ugadi on the other hand marks New Year for those living in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Ugadi
"Ugadi is a New Year, our new Panchang starts on March 22. There are prayers at home in the morning. We meet elders and seek their blessings," said Uday Padiyar, a Dahisar resident.
Secretary, Shree Ram Mandir Wadala Ulhas Kamath said, “At Ram Mandir, the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins celebrate Ugadi with elaborate prayers. “We start Yugadi with the lighting of a lamp, followed by 24 HOUR bhajans from March 22-31. March 30 is Ram Navami and we have Rathotsav where Rath with Lord Ram, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman is taken out from the temple to Dadar TT and back.”
Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand that is observed on March 23 also starts by lighting of Vairana Sahab that is lit in both houses of devotees and at Jhulelal Temple. "Vairana Sahab is lit in the morning and till noon. After prayers, we do Visarjan (immersion) of it. Taheri ka prasad is given that consists of sweet rice that is made with jaggery and chana," said Anand Manwani.
Sindhis make it a point to visit temples, meet friends and wear traditional clothes and making Sindhi delicacies. "Sindhi kurta Pyjama with Ajrak caps are worn by some and delicacies like Sindhi curry, lotus stem vegetables, Koki (paratha) are made besides Dal Pakwan. We also make efforts to revive the usage of Sindhi language," said Manwani
