New beginnings, new promises, and joy and celebrations fill the air across India as the month of April sets in. This spring month rings in New Year for many Indian states. Yes, India celebrates New Year in various regions at various times – typifying the diversity of culture and traditions in the country.

Just like each region has its unique culture and tradition, it also has its specific day to celebrate New Year based on the solar and lunar calendar.

Between 13th and 15th of April, New Year is celebrated as Rongali Bihu in Assam, Bishuva Sankranti in Odisha and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

Here is a quick look at the vibrant celebrations across the states:

Rongali Bihu in Assam

Rongali Bihu marks the New Year and the beginning of the agriculture season in Assam. This spring festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm, faith, and joy. Amidst traditional rituals, music, dance, and regional delicacies, this festive season spreads the message of happiness, good regards, and comradeship in the society.

Amidst pulsating revelry, we must also remember our fellowmates, especially children, who would love to be a part of the celebrations but are devoid of basic needs like food. Here, the service of The Akshaya Patra Foundation that has been operating in Assam since 2010 becomes evident. Akshaya Patra, a mid-day meal NGO in Assam is striving towards transforming lives of children by providing freshly cooked, nutritious lunch to children on each school day.

Presently, it is impacting 47,249 children in 607 government schools in the state. This Rongali Bihu, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of these young children by supporting our cause and filling the year for these children with the goodness of healthy meals and richness of rightful education.

Maha Bishuva Sankranti in Odisha

Maha Bishuva Sankranti or Pana Sankranti is the traditional New Year in Odisha. People offer prayers at temples, perform rituals, visit fairs, spectate various activities such as dances, acrobatics, ancient forms of performances such as fire walks, and relish delicious feasts. This auspicious occasion is considered to bring prosperity in the fresh year.

While paying respect to age-old customs, let’s also take note of our future progress that rests in the hands of the children. Let us make a conscious effort to provide for children who have the zeal to learn but lack in resources. Akshaya Patra, a mid-day meal NGO operating in Odisha since 2006 is striving towards improving lives of children by providing freshly cooked, wholesome meals to children on each school day.

Presently, it is impacting the lives of 1,80,140 children in 1,840 government schools in the state. This Maha Bishuva Sankranti, choose to positively alter the future of young children by supporting our cause and aiding children for a prosperous future.

You can support our cause at: Feed the hungry children

Puthandu in Tamil Nadu

Puthandu is the traditional New Year day celebrated in Tamil Nadu. The day is characteristic of rituals such as wake up to the sight of a traditional tray arranged with flowers, jewellery, money, betel leaves, areca nuts, three fruits – bananas, mangoes, and jackfruit, and a mirror, and making kolam – traditional design made on floor with coloured rice powder; and making The festival symbolises hope for new opportunities, growth, and prosperity.

Most us may follow the tradition to wake up to a sight that is considered to bring good fortune. But, there are many who wake up every day with the looming doubt of whether or not they will receive the day’s meal; and these unfortunate mornings are a part of young children’s lives too!

This Puthandu, give new hopes and signs of prosperity to young children by supporting Akshaya Patra’s cause of providing food for education. Akshaya Patra, a mid-day meal NGO provides freshly cooked, healthy meals to 731 school children in the state on each school day.

Other States Celebrates New Year as

• Baisakhi in Punjab
• Poila Boishakh in West Bengal
• Vishu in Kerala

We may belong to different states, yet we are united with the common thread of being Indians. These traditional festivals bring families, friends, and the entire community together. Along with the pomp and show, these festivals spread the message of unity, brotherhood, and cultural solidarity. They teach us to spread hope, joy, and good regards, while also encouraging the practice of offering charity so that the entire society can progress and prosper together. So, in the spirit of unity and the festive season, support and convey your affection to those little Indians who equally deserve to celebrate but may not have the means to!

Akshaya Patra wishes each and everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year!

We would love to hear from you, so please use the below comment section to share your thoughts and feedbacks.

“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”- Douglas Adams

Money is a fundamental need for the better functioning of the community. For the proper implementation of any social development programme, the source of funding should go undisturbed. Donations play a pivotal role in this aspect. More than that, as Douglas Adams says, the real essence of service extends beyond monetary measures. It hinges on sincerity and integrity in our actions towards aiding those in need. Hence, every contribution should stem from an authentic concern for others, ensuring our wholehearted involvement in our actions.

Why should we donate to charity?

Donations to charity play a significant role in improving society. They address societal challenges and serve as a catalyst for the overall betterment of communities. Various NGOs focus on different causes like hunger relief, education, women empowerment, environment conservation, etc. They work closely with communities and come up with various initiatives that are more relevant and impactful. Through collaboration with the government, they advocate for new policies to find solutions to societal problems.

How do donations result in tax exemption?

Supporting NGOs not only aids in societal progress but also offers tax benefits under Section 80G of the Income Tax (IT) Act. Through this, individuals can actively participate in different social activities, ultimately contributing to the nation’s development and thus fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose in their lives. However, to receive this benefit, it is essential to verify that organisation qualifies for deduction under Section 80G. To claim the deduction, the taxpayer should obtain a receipt that contains the name, address and PAN number of the institution. This receipt validates the donation for tax exemption purposes. All donations of ₹500 or above are qualified for 50% tax deductions.

Donate. Help Society. Save Tax

Donating to charity is one of the simplest methods to save tax. When NGOs receive more funds, it allows them to enhance their reach and impact in a bid to support those in need. The government provides this incentive to encourage people to donate to NGOs and thus, bring about a change in the society.

Donate to Akshaya Patra and Avail Tax Benefits

As an NGO for children, Akshaya Patra implements the Government of India’s Mid-Day Meal Programme (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) in numerous government and government-aided schools in India. When children receive nutritious meals, it gives them the energy to concentrate on classroom activities and perform well in their academics.

Currently, we are feeding over 2 million children every day. Through 67 kitchens spread across the country, we prepare meals using standardised recipes that align with nutritional guidelines and distribute them to the children without compromising on quality and hygiene. Our mission is to nourish the dreams of 3 million children by 2025 and for that your contribution is vital.

If we look at the best NGOs in India, it is evident that they give due importance to transparency and accountability. In fact, transparency in financial records plays a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of NGOs. Showing donors how their contributions are being used is vital in assuring them that their support fulfils its intended goals. They have to prove to donors that their donation is being utilised for the intended purpose.

The best NGOs in India always maintain transparency in their financial records. With this note, we take pride in sharing that Akshaya Patra has received ICAI’s Goldshield Award for seven consecutive years for ‘excellence in financial reporting’. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our dedication to alleviate classroom hunger and ensure education for all children.

Donate to Akshaya Patra for the overall well-being of children. Your small contribution will make a big difference. It will help us create a beautiful future for children. You will receive the tax receipt within 10 days.