The first day following the new moon in Chaitra is celebrated as Navarsha(New Year) by many communities that follow the ‘chandramana’(luni- solar)Hindu calendar. This day is referred to as ‘Gudi Parva’ (Marathi and Konkani ), ‘Yugandi’(kanadinga), ‘Ugandi’(Telugu),’Navreh’ (Kashmiri) and ‘Thapna’(some Rajasthani communities). This is also observed by the sindhi community(though connected to a separate festival-‘cheti chand’) and some hindi speaking communities. Each region has its own unique rituals for the day. Some communities eat a special dish made from a mixture of ingredients that have a sweet,sour,salty,and spicy taste. This is a reminder that the year ahead will involve a mixture of different experiences.
The day also marks the beginning of ‘Vasanta’ (spring) Navratri. Navratri is a peried of 9 nights which are sacred to different forms of shakti (divine feminine). There are five Navratris throughout the year. this is second most popular and well known Navratri after the Navratri that takes place in the sharada ritu(autumn). Vasanta Navratri is marked by pujas and fasts that honour shakti.