New Delhi

Navreh in Kashmir; Ugadi in the Andhra; Bihu in the east and Baisakhi in Punjab - the harvest festival that for most Hindu communities is the first day of the traditional new year, is being celebrated with enthusiasm across the country.

The season of festivals also brings in th first day of the Islamic month of Ramzan - beginning tomorrow - during which Muslims fast for 30 days, and also Navratri – 7 days during which the Hindus worship Shakti, the female form of divinity. During these nine days, many Hindus keep fast and young children are made to write their first letter called Vidyharabh (Start of education).

In Bengal, people celebrate it as Poila Baisakh (the first day of the month of Baisakh). Children seek blessings from the elders for a good year.

Ministry of Culture has greeted people on the festival in Twitter.

Greetings on #Navreh, #PohelaBoishakh, #Bihu, #Puthandu, #Vishu, #Ugadi, #Cheiraoba, #ChaitraPratipada, #ChetiChand, #JurSital. A true celebration of unity in diversity. pic.twitter.com/0fQsaWum5v

— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) April 13, 2021

Ugadi is celebrated in Andhra and Telengana while Gudwai Padwa is the name of the festival in Maharashtra.

The people in Assam will celebrate Bihu, the harvest festival on March 14.

Baisakhi is being celebrated amidst the second wave of the Corona pandemic in Punjab and rest of north India.

With Ramzan and Navratri, the prices of vegetables and fruits have increased in the market.

In Kashmir, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Muttu visited various temples to oversee their upkeep for the festivals. He wrote on Twitter:

Visited Sheetal Nath Temple, Habba Kadal ahead of #Navreh tomorrow to review arrangements.

Passed on-spot directions for added facilities and services to be provided.

Was accompanied by Corporator @GilkarNazir Sb, Joint Commissioners (Admin and Works) SMC and senior officials. pic.twitter.com/C5J4I61RTM

— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) April 12, 2021

Though the Jammu Municipality had initially banned the sale of mutton and chicken in the city during the Navratri, it has amended its decision and allowed the sale in the Muslim-dominated areas of the city.