Ugadi

Ugadi is one of the major festivals celebrated in South India. In South India, Ugadi festival is celebrated as the New Year. According to the Indian calendar, this festival is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, which falls on the first day of the bright half of the Chaitra month. This festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm to mark the arrival of the spring season and the new harvest. It is primarily celebrated in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This festival is celebrated under different names in different parts of the country. People in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Konkan region celebrate it as Ugadi, while in Maharashtra it's celebrated as Gudi Padwa, and in Kashmir as Navreh. Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words "yuga" (age) and "Adi" (beginning), meaning 'the beginning of a new age'. On this day, people begin the new year and worship Lord Brahma. Brahma, the Veda purusha, the creator, and the creator of the entire universe, are worshipped Through this worship, people seek blessings and well wishes for the new year. On this auspicious day, people in South India also embark on new ventures such as starting new businesses, housewarming ceremonies, and so on.

Why celebrate Ugadi festival?

Although the festival is primarily celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm to mark the beginning of the new year, the arrival of the spring season, and the onset of the new harvest, it is also associated with a famous legend. According to this legend, it is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma initiated the creation of the universe. Lord Brahma not only created the universe but also constructed time, including years, months, weeks, and days, and based the creation of the universe on this framework. Hence, in South India, on the day of Ugadi festival, people celebrate the beginning of the new year with immense excitement and happiness, along with worshiping Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. This day is revered as Ugadi, symbolizing the commencement of the new year.

How to celebrate Ugadi festival?

In states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in South India, the festival named Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, people celebrate this day as Gudi Padwa festival. Across different regions of the country, this day is celebrated as various festivals. On this day, people are filled with excitement. In the morning, they clean their homes and decorate the entrance door with mango leaves. A special drink called "pachadi" is prepared for this festival. Pachadi is made by mixing ingredients like tamarind, coconut, neem flowers, jaggery, etc., in a pot. People eagerly consume this beverage with great enthusiasm and distribute it to neighbors and relatives with immense reverence. Along with pachadi, a special delicacy called "bevu-bella" is also prepared on this auspicious occasion. This delicacy is primarily made by mixing jaggery and neem. People accept this delicacy with great affection because it is believed that consuming this mixed delicacy during this festival reminds people to be prepared to experience the joys and sorrows that come throughout the year. Additionally, on this day, various delicious sweets like laddoos are also prepared in homes. On this day, people also invite their relatives and neighbors to their homes for a meal. On the occasion of Ugadi festival, people worship in temples with devotion and offer flowers and garlands. Especially on this auspicious day, the worship of Brahma Ji is essential. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Goa, and the Konkan region, the New Year is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. On this day, along with the sunrise, worship of Brahma and Vishnu is performed, and "gudi" is hoisted in homes. The term "gudi" means victory flag, and it is called "Pratipada," the first day of the lunar month. The local belief is that on this day, Lord Rama freed the people of the South from the tyranny of Bali. In celebration of this event, people hoist victory flags in their homes and pray for happiness and prosperity for their families.

Importance of Ugadi

The holy festival of Ugadi holds special significance for the people of South India. During this festival, the arrival of the spring season brings delightful weather, and farmers rejoice in the arrival of the new harvest. A special drink called "pachadi" is prepared during the Ugadi festival, which is made from a mixture of neem. Neem enhances our body's immune system, preparing us to combat the changes in weather. On this auspicious occasion, it is also believed that starting a new endeavor on this day ensures success. Therefore, on this auspicious date, people inaugurate shops, commence building constructions, and undertake new ventures. The commencement of the new year in various ways reminds us to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past and not to be disheartened by failures but to initiate new beginnings with positivity.