In Chhattisgarh, New Year is considered as a very auspicious day by villagers. New Year is the day when every one looks happy & joyful. As per the age group and friendliness people form their groups separately and go to the river bank or in the forest to celebrate new year as a Picnic. They go to the picnic by carrying necessary things like rice, paddy, vegetable, chicken, alcohol, wood, pots (utensils) etc. They also carry some musical system (CD Player & Sound Box or Loud Speaker)to have dance & enjoyment.
For the celebration, preparation starts from the 31st of December, people meet and plan to have good enjoyment on new year day. They contribute for having good foods specially for chicken, puri, sweets and alcohol.
The group might be of gents only or youth & children only or ladies & girls only or the combination of all these above. According to the expertize & interest, the work is divided for preparing food. Almost all are busy with doing some stuffs. Children play at their own, gents cut and prepare chicken, ladies prepare food & vegetables. All these foods are prepared by the water of river or water of lake (whoever goes to the forest for picnic).
On this precious occasion the variety of foods are prepared. The Villagers believe that as they will have best food in the new year day, just like that food they will get for whole year; off course enjoyment also.
People start to go for picnic at morning 8 to 9 a.m. Food is prepared till 1 to 2 p.m. After wards they take bath in the river itself and start having food. They also share some vegetables & sweets to the near by groups of picnic.
After having lunch they go to play some games till sunset. Some start dancing. Some go to see other group's preparation of food. Remaining food is had by children after playing and prepare for coming home.
