Washington DC, 14 April 2023 (TDI): Vice President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris has sent her warmest wishes to those celebrating New Years across many South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures.
In her statement, Kamala Harris acknowledged the significance of these events and their cultural importance to the diverse communities that observe them.
Moreover, she highlighted the unique customs and traditions associated with each of these festivals and extended her heartfelt wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to all those celebrating.
Notably, Harris mentioned several New Year celebrations celebrated across South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures, including Songkran, Sangkranta, Aluth Avurudda, Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Thingyan, and Nepali and Vishu New Years.
The Vice President further added that these festivals serve as an important reminder of the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures.
Likewise, she emphasized that these celebrations are a time for reflection, renewal, and connection with loved ones and communities.
Furthermore, Kamala Harris also endorsed the challenges that many have faced in the past year and expressed her hope that the New Year brings renewed hope, optimism, and healing.
Songkran is a traditional Thai New Year that is celebrated between April 13th and 15th. The celebrations involve water throwing, parades, and temple visits, and are intended to symbolize the washing away of bad luck and the start of a new year.
Sangkranta, also known as the Cambodian New Year, is celebrated from April 13th to 16th. It marks the end of the harvest season and is a time for families to gather, clean their homes, and visit temples.
Aluth Avurudda, also known as the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, is celebrated in Sri Lanka between April 13th and 14th. The festivities include games, traditional food, and cultural rituals, such as the lighting of the hearth and the first meal of the year.
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, celebrated on April 14th. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and visit temples.
Pohela Boishakh is the Bengali New Year, celebrated on April 14th. It is a time for feasting, cultural parades, and shopping for new clothes.
Thingyan, also known as the Water Festival, is celebrated in Myanmar from April 13th to 16th. It is a time for people to cleanse themselves of bad luck and make offerings at temples.
Nepali and Vishu New Years are also celebrated during this time, representing new beginnings and fresh starts for people across these cultures.
Also Read: President of Pakistan extends Greetings on New Year of China
In her statement, Harris talked about the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity and recognized the value of celebrating these traditions.
In a nutshell, her message was one of hope and unity, as she encouraged people around the world to come together in celebration of new beginnings and the rich cultural heritage of South Asian and Southeast Asian communities.
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