Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 16 July extended warm greetings to the global Kutchi community on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year, acknowledging the community's enduring cultural identity and its presence across India and the world.

Modi's Message on Ashadhi Bij

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared a traditional Kutchi saying to capture the community's deep attachment to its homeland. 'Just as fish thrive in the vast ocean, wherever even one Kutchi lives, Kutch is present there. Today, on Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year, Ram Ram and heartfelt congratulations to all Kutchi brothers and sisters living across the country and around the world,' he wrote.

The message underscored the widespread reach of the Kutchi diaspora, which continues to preserve its traditions and heritage far from Kutch, Gujarat.

What is Ashadhi Bij

Ashadhi Bij is celebrated as the Kutchi New Year and holds special cultural and agricultural significance for the people of Kutch as well as the global Kutchi diaspora. The festival coincides with the onset of the monsoon season in the region and has traditionally been regarded as an important occasion for farming communities. It is marked by cultural celebrations, community gatherings, and the exchange of New Year greetings.

Notably, in Gujarat, the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad — considered the country's second-largest after Puri in Odisha — also begins on Ashadhi Bij, drawing large numbers of devotees. This convergence of festivals makes the day doubly significant for communities across the state.

Modi Also Greeted Nation on Jagannath Rath Yatra

Earlier on the same occasion, the Prime Minister extended greetings on the Jagannath Rath Yatra, describing it as a 'radiant expression' of India's timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. 'The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective participation and selfless service,' he wrote.

Modi also offered a prayer: 'May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!'

Scale of Celebrations Across India

Across the country, lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra during the Rath Yatra. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, one of the most prominent outside Puri, drew particularly large crowds this year. The dual significance of Ashadhi Bij — as both the Kutchi New Year and the day the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra commences — reflects the layered cultural calendar of Gujarat.

The Prime Minister's outreach to the Kutchi community is consistent with his pattern of acknowledging regional festivals and diaspora communities, particularly those with roots in his home state of Gujarat. As the Kutchi New Year begins, communities across the country and abroad will mark the occasion with traditional festivities.