March 31 was an auspicious day for Hindus who speak Marathi, Telugu, Kannada etc. as mother tongue. These people celebrate the day as New Year Day.
Hindus who speak Tamil, Malayalam etc. and those in countries such as Cambodia celebrate 14 April as their New Year Day. Historical evidences abound to prove close cultural ties between people of India and many South East Asian countries. (In fact Angkor Wat and numerous other temples were built when kings from the subcontinent ruled Cambodia). In 2009, I had the pleasure of joining in their 3 days' of festivities in Phnom Penh (which began getting flooded with Cambodians from all over the country as well as tourists from abroad, in mid March itself). I was glad that I was based in Phnom Penh (one of the fastest developing cities in South East Asia).
Hindus who speak Tamil, Malayalam etc. and those in countries such as Cambodia celebrate 14 April as their New Year Day. Historical evidences abound to prove close cultural ties between people of India and many South East Asian countries. (In fact Angkor Wat and numerous other temples were built when kings from the subcontinent ruled Cambodia). In 2009, I had the pleasure of joining in their 3 days' of festivities in Phnom Penh (which began getting flooded with Cambodians from all over the country as well as tourists from abroad, in mid March itself). I was glad that I was based in Phnom Penh (one of the fastest developing cities in South East Asia).
Today is a very auspicious day for all Hindus. This was on this day that Shree Mahaa Vishnu was born as Lord Shree Raam during Tretaa Yuga.
