Ugadi marks the advent of the Telugu New Year. The name of the festival
derived from "Yuga Aadi" which means New Age. According to the
Chandramana system (Shalivahana Shaka), Telugu New Year falls on
Chaitra
Shuddha Prathipade. It is the first day of the Lunar calender. Like
any other religion, Telugu New Year celebrations also has a legend
behind it. Hindu mythology says Lord Brahma, created universe on Chaitra
Shuddha Prathipade. Since then, this day is celebrated as a New Year's
day.
Ugadi celebrations are also blessed with Vasanth Ruthu (spring). It
symbolizes new life with blooming of fresh flowers, chanting of birds
and fruit laden trees. It is considered an auspicious time to venture
into new projects.
Ugadi Celebrations
People of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka begin New Year preparations a
week before the festival. They clean their houses and surrounding areas
whilst decorate it with mango leaves. Shopping for Ugadi gifts, new
clothes and other items are done with a lot of fervor. Most of the
people exchange gifts like silk saree, dhoti, pootarelullu and sweets
like kaja, pala kova etc.
On the Ugadi day, people get up early in the morning, apply coconut oil
to their bodies, take a head bath and wear new clothes. Then they visit
nearby temple to offer prayers to God, chant mantras and listen to
Panchanga
Sravanam. Priests or experts forecasts new events of the year and
make people aware of the coming situations.
Traditional Ugadi Food
All the family members and friends sit together for the traditional
sauce called
Ugadi Pachchadi. It is a mixture of the following
products:
- Neem leaves which is good for patients who have diabetes and skin
diseases
- Jaggery increases haemoglobin level and sugarcane juice fights
against jaundice.
- Raw mango and Tamarind juice are consumed with almost every dish
prepared by women of Karnataka and Andhra Pardesh.
Ugadi Pachchadi signifies that life is not a smooth journey. All
sorrows, happiness, success and disappointment must be given due
importance. All experiences have to be treated equally as it makes us
learn something new every time and prepares us for the rest. It makes us
develop positive attitude towards life. People also make some
resolutions and pray to God for their well-being and prosperity.
