Panaji (Goa): The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in Panaji on Friday appealed to the Hindus in the entire country to celebrate New Year only on Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, also known as Gudhipadwa, which is going to be celebrated in April next year. According to the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Gudhipadwa has historical, natural and spiritual significance, which lacks in the celebration of the Christian New Year on January 1.

To begin the New Year on the midnight of December 31 by consuming alcoholic drinks, creating a ruckus and committing malpractices is not Indian culture, the Samiti said in its statement.