April could be beautiful and exciting for many parts of the world. It is a new year celebration season in some countries in Asia; Easter Monday for many countries across Europe, Africa, the Pacific and Americas; a delightful time to visit much parts of the United States and a colorful time for garden sightseeing in some countries in Europe.
** New Year Celebration in Asia
- Mid-April (13-15th) every year, Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar and Thailand commemorate its new year celebration. It is gathering and celebration time, families and eating, travel and relaxing time from work or business. The time of national celebration knowns as Choul Chhnam Thmey (or Sangran) in Cambodia, Songran in Thailand, Bun Pi Mai in Laos and Thingyan in Myanmar. It is a public holiday, lasts between 3-5 days depends on which day it falls on. It is very important and special time in life as we wait the entire year just to celebrate this with the family. Usually, during these days, we go to temple to offer food to the monks and dedicate to the ancestors. Some activities during this time beside rituals and religious activities include water splashing games, merit-making activities and giving a shower to elders, especially parents.
- Some parts of India also celebrate New Year Celebration around these days:
- **Punjab:**13th April – known as Baisakhi
- Assam: 14th or 15th April - known as Bihu
- Kerala: 14th April - known as Vishu
- West Bengal: 14th or 15th April - known as Pohela Boishakh
- Tamil Nadu: 13th or 14th April – known as Puthandu
- Sindhis: 8th April - known as Cheti Chand
Read more about Indian New Year celebration here: https://www.hellotravel.com/stories/indian-new-year-festivals?utm_expid=.PjN83JbRQAOqGd6qoiv7-g.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Covid-19 means no celebrations or gatherings allowed. The government of Myanmar and Cambodia already announced the cancellation or postponing of this auspicious celebration to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Most people must change their plans because of the regulations by the government.
** Easter Break or Easter Monday across the continent
- Many countries in Europe, Americas, Africa and the Pacific (Australia/Oceania) celebrate Easter Monday on 13th April. Even it does not last for many days like in Asia, families often gather and celebrate it together. Covid-19 means people stay where they are. Read more about countries celebrate Easter Monday here: https://www.officeholidays.com/byday/easter-monday
**Spring in Europe and Americas
As we all know, Spring can be a delightful time and colorful duration to visit much parts of the United States as well many countries in Europe.
- In USA, April has warmer weather which is ideal for touring and sightseeing and travel deals to many destinations. According to tripsavvy (https://www.tripsavvy.com/april-weather-in-the-united-states-3301210), many places in the United States celebrate the end of winter by holding many festivals.
- For Europe, destinations such as Keukenhof - Lisse (Netherlands) has lost its charms of colorful tulips for this Spring. Many countries such as Greece, Portugal, France, Ireland, Croatia or Spain are the most beautiful this time of the year. To learn more about what a spring is like in Europe, read here: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/best-destinations-for-spring-time-in-europe/
In general, COVID-19 means no travels, no excursions, no gatherings and of course small celebrations. It can so stressed during this time. I hope my little research could give you some knowledge about what April means to us. What does April mean to you? What do you want to share about your typical April?
***To learn more about the whole list of April 'days, visit here http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/april.htm.
- friend