Baisakhi, Vishu, Nobo Borsho Celebrations -A second New Year and the spirit of spring

Are you behind on your New Year resolutions? Has the long winter that follows January 1 put a chill on your grand plans for 2010? Take heart. For many regions of South Asia, especially India, April 14 or April 15, 2010 (depending on the region) 2010 will mark the beginning of a new solar year and an opportunity for all of us to start anew.

Baisakhi is the harvest festival for much of the North India . In addition, for the Sikhs, it is the second most important festival of the year and is celebrated, according to Wikipedia, ‘commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Coupled with Vishu and Poila Baisakh, it seems like a large part of India celebrates the start of the solar new year and spirit of spring with enthusiasm.

Its New Year Part Deux.In the US, the Indian diaspora celebrates the festivals in local temples and at home, reaching out to friends and family. Some of the rituals like Vishu Kani are carried on by new parents in a new land. Customs of wishing friends and family on Poila Baisakh lives through Facebook status updates and tweets.

For us, an occasion to celebrate the beauty and rejuvenation of spring, and have a fresh start is delightful and promising. So here’s happy Baisakhi, Nobo Borsho, Vishu and all other festivities to all!

In case you are looking at it like we are, as New Year Part Deux, here are some new year resolutions to get you going.