Many cultures in Asia have 'New Year' celebrations at this time of year. Sikh Indians celebrate Vaisakhi. In Thailand the holiday is called, Songkran. They're all a celebration of spring and not far removed from why Easter occurs at this time of year as well. In Sri Lanka, it is time for the Sinhalese / Tamil New Year.
For Jay, there are many traditions that go with New Year.
Today, for example, we had milk rice, and green gram. This can be eaten with coconut or Kitul palm sugar. We always eat bananas in the morning. However, mango chutney or pickles are not common for us at the start of the day.
