Welcoming the new Year
those of us who live in
the Southern states of India
turn ecstatic on April 14
Telugus hail the new Year
as Ugadi, while Vishu
is celebrated in Kerala
and Karnataka with enthusiasm.
Tamils call it Puthandu.
Gudi Padawa to the Marathis.
A worship with different names
enacted with similar customs.
Prayers to the Gods
with offerings of fruits,
coconuts and delicacies
spread around the tall oil lamp
placed over the kolam ( drawing )
mark the dawn of the New Year.
The family gathers around
stay together, blow the conch,
take arathi chant mantras,
pay obeisance to the Gods
and elders, seeking
their blessings,
it is both fun and cheer
that go with the rituals
which solicit a togetherness
becoming a rarity nowadays.
Meenas Poems 