Wp/efi/Ugadi Festival

Ugadi Festival (New Year of Telugu and Kannada People)

Ugadi (also spelled **Yugadi**) is the **New Year festival** celebrated by the people of **Andhra Pradesh**, **Telangana**, **Karnataka**, and parts of **Maharashtra** and **Goa**. It marks the **beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar**, especially the **Chaitra month (March–April)**.

The word "Ugadi" is derived from **Sanskrit**:

**Yuga** = era or age
**Adi** = beginning

Thus, Ugadi means "the beginning of a new age."

Cultural and Religious Significance

Ugadi is considered an **auspicious time** to begin new ventures, buy property, and perform religious rituals. It is also believed that **Lord Brahma** began the creation of the universe on Ugadi day.

This festival is associated with:

**Renewal and rejuvenation**
**Hope and prosperity**
**Spiritual reflection and growth**

Regional Names

**Ugadi** – Telugu and Kannada-speaking states
**Gudi Padwa** – Maharashtra
**Navreh** – Kashmir
**Cheti Chand** – Sindhi community
**Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh** – Other regional new year variants celebrated across India

Preparations and Customs

1. House Cleaning and Decoration

People clean their houses thoroughly and decorate entrances with **mango leaf toranams** and **rangoli (muggulu/kolam)**.
New clothes are worn, and houses are adorned with festive flowers.

2. Panchanga Sravanam (New Year Forecast)

A priest or scholar reads the **Panchangam** (Hindu almanac) for the new year, predicting **zodiac-based yearly forecasts**.
This is known as **"Panchanga Sravanam"** and is considered highly auspicious.

3. Ugadi Pachadi (Symbolic Dish)

The most iconic part of Ugadi is the preparation and tasting of **Ugadi Pachadi**, a unique dish made from six ingredients, symbolizing life’s varied experiences:

| Ingredient | Taste | Symbolism |

|------------------|--------------|-------------------------------- |

| Neem flowers | Bitter | Sadness, difficulties |

| Jaggery | Sweet | Joy and happiness |

| Green chili | Spicy | Anger and surprises |

| Tamarind | Sour | Challenges and ups & downs |

| Salt | Salty | Interest in life, experiences |

| Raw mango | Tangy | Surprises and new opportunities|

This dish is a **philosophical metaphor**, teaching that life is a mixture of different emotions.

4. Temple Visits and Prayers

Devotees visit temples early in the morning to seek blessings.
Special pujas and **Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu** worship is performed.

Celebrations and Festivities

Cultural programs showcasing **dance, poetry, classical music**, and **folk art** are organized.
**Literary events** like **Kavi Sammelans (poets’ meets)** are conducted.
Schools and community centers organize storytelling sessions and Panchanga recitals.

Traditional Foods

Apart from Ugadi Pachadi, people prepare festive dishes like:

**Pulihora (tamarind rice)**
**Bobbatlu (holige/puran poli)**
**Mango pickle**
**Payasam or Kheer**

Government Recognition

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, **Ugadi is a public holiday** and considered a state-level festival.
The governments host **official Panchanga Sravanam ceremonies**.
Welfare schemes and public announcements are often launched on Ugadi.

Contemporary Observations

Ugadi is celebrated by Telugu and Kannada communities worldwide — in the USA, UK, Australia, and Gulf countries.
Digital Panchangams and virtual Ugadi greetings have become popular in recent years.

References

1. Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Portal 2. Telangana Government Culture Department 3. The Hindu – “Ugadi Ushers in the New Year” (2024) 4. Indian Express – “Ugadi Across States” 5. Telugu Academy Textbooks 6. Karnataka Govt Holiday List & Cultural Calendar