April 09, 2024, Tuesday
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Ugadi is celebrated as the beginning of the year for the people of Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. It is a harvest festival and an auspicious day to start new ventures. It usually occurs in the month of Panguni ( Mid March - Mid April) on the first New Moon after the spring equinox.
The name Ugadi originated from the Sanskrit words, ‘Yuga’ meaning ‘age’ and ‘Adi’ meaning ‘beginning.’ As it is the start of the spring season, it also signifies change, growth, and prosperity. The devotees thank the gods for the harvest they have received and seek blessings for the year ahead. It is a celebration that involves the participation of the entire household and is carried out with much enthusiasm.
According to Hindu Mythology, Ugadi is the day Lord Brahma started the creation of the world, and hence he is the patron deity that is honored. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on this day as he is the creator of ‘Yugas.’ It is also referred to as Chaitra Suddha Paadyami, according to Hindu religious texts.
The day starts with the entire household waking up before dawn and taking a head bath after massaging the whole body with sesame oil and wear new, traditional clothes. The idols of gods and goddesses within the house are then bathed in oil too, after which prayers and offerings of neem flowers, mango, and tamarind. The entrance of homes is decorated with colorful, intricate designs made of rice flour called Rangoli.
It is customary to worship the ‘Panchang’ (Hindu calendar) after the prayers are over. An elder from the house-hold reads out the Panchang for everyone to hear. Special blessings are supposed to be bestowed on those who read and listen to the Panchang on this day.
A special type of food item is prepared for this occasion and is called the Bevu Bella or Ugadi Pachadi. It is a mix of Neem flowers or buds, jaggery, green chilies, salt, tamarind juice, and un-ripened mango that symbolizes the duality of life that oscillates between happiness and sadness and our willingness to accept both equally. The rest of the day is spent in visiting temples and celebrating with family and friends.