BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Alpharetta, GA, April 24, 2026: The Atlanta Hindu community came together in a vibrant celebration of the Hindu New Year at DeSana Middle School on April 18, 2026. Organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) Atlanta Chapter, the Chaitra Pratipada festival marked the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 and highlighted the diversity of Indian traditions observed across regions.
The event was ceremoniously inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by eminent guests, including Bob Erramilli, City Council Member of Johns Creek; Shiv Agarwal, Founder and Owner of Global Mall; and Jennifer Philippi, City Council Member of Roswell, setting a festive and auspicious tone for the celebrations.
From Gudi Padwa and Ugadi to Vishu, Baisakhi, and Puthandu, the event embraced multiple cultural New Year traditions, drawing families from across Atlanta and neighboring areas. With free entry, cultural performances, food stalls, vendors, music, and raffle prizes, the afternoon transformed into a lively celebration of heritage and togetherness.
A major highlight of the event was the series of cultural performances by winners of the Bhakti Sangam 2026 competition, who brought songs and dances performed on devotional bhajans, shlok to the stage, captivating the audience. Winners of Bhakti Sangam 2026 from Ages 8 to 21 plus performed in various categories with their peers.
VHPA led Tennis Tournaments that took place last year got a nod in the program with a prize distribution ceremony. Eight teams played each other to raise funds for a local charity.
Community Voices
Speaking to NRI Pulse, Veena Katdare, President of the Atlanta Chapter of VHPA, shared the vision behind the event: “We wanted to bring the community together to celebrate the Hindu New Year, which is observed across India in different ways. The goal is to help people connect with each other’s traditions and create a larger, inclusive cultural platform.”
She added that the event also integrates various VHPA initiatives, including performing arts competitions and community programs that support local causes and scholarships. She noted that while the organization has a long-standing presence in the U.S. and Atlanta, the Hindu New Year celebration—now in its fourth year—is steadily growing, with plans to expand further.
Dr. Shobha Choklingam, President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Hindu Coalition, emphasized the broader significance of the celebration: “This represents the Hindu New Year across many regions—from Tamil Puthandu to Gudi Padwa, Navreh, and Baisakhi. While traditions differ, the essence is the same. Events like these strengthen our shared cultural identity, especially for younger generations.”
She also highlighted the importance of civic engagement, encouraging the Indian American community in Georgia to actively participate in voter registration and upcoming elections.
Bob Erramilli noted, “Our values and belief systems are rooted in India. Festivals like this reinforce those values, especially for our children. These traditions carry intangible strengths that define who we are and must be preserved.”
He further emphasized unity, responsibility, and the importance of staying connected both culturally and civically.
Representing the Consulate General of India, Atlanta, Manoj Joshi attended the event with his family and shared, “It’s wonderful to be here at the VHPA’s Chaitra Festival. I really enjoyed the performances and appreciate the invitation extended to the Consulate. It’s heartening to see such strong community participation.”
Celebrating Talent and Cultural Diversity
The event also spotlighted emerging talent. Nine-year-old Pranaya Kumar, who secured second prize in the solo singing category, shared that performing before experienced judges and watching fellow participants made the experience both enjoyable and a valuable learning opportunity.
Adding to the vibrancy of the celebration, the stage featured a rich tapestry of performances representing India’s diversity—from a graceful Kashmiri dance from the north and classical Bharatanatyam from the south to the energetic Bihu of Assam in the east. High-energy performances with dhol beats further elevated the atmosphere, making it feel like a “mini India” brought to life in Atlanta.
A Celebration Beyond Festivities
With cultural pride, community bonding, and youth participation at its core, the event successfully created a platform for connection and celebration. From traditional attire and performances to meaningful conversations and shared experiences, the Hindu New Year festival in Atlanta stood as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its roots while thriving in a global environment.
As attendees exchanged New Year greetings, the celebration reinforced a powerful message—unity in diversity, and culture as a bridge across generations.
