Akhain Yatra, Akhyan Jatra or Akhan Tusu: The Kudmali New Year: A Brief

Overview: 

Akhain Yatra (also spelled Akhyan Jatra or Akhan Tusu) is the Kudmali New Year and an important agricultural festival celebrated by the Kudmi community in Eastern India. It typically falls on the first day of the month of Magh, which is around January 14th or 15th in the Gregorian calendar, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. 

Key Aspects of Akhain Yatra:

• Significance: It marks the beginning of the new agricultural cycle for the Kudmi people, who are traditionally a settled agriculturist community.
• Rituals: A key ritual associated with this day is Halpunha, which involves the ceremonial first ploughing of the fields to initiate the sowing season.
• Cultural Celebrations: The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, often involving traditional music, such as jhumar, and folk dances, reflecting the community's rich cultural heritage.
• Traditional Calendar: The festival of the Kudmis are set according to the solar movement, and the calendarization of their festivals begins with Akhain Yatra. 

The community uses this time to give thanks for the past harvest and pray for a prosperous agricultural season ahead, connecting deeply with nature and their traditional way of life.