Ugadi or Yugadi, also known as Samvatsarādi, is the Hindu New Year celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Goa in India. The word Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘yuga’ and ‘adi’, which mean ‘beginning’ and ‘era’ respectively. It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. This day marks the beginning of the new year, and is a time of great celebration and joy.
Ugadi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is marked by the preparation of special dishes such as Ugadi Pachadi, a dish made of neem leaves, jaggery, tamarind, and raw mango. This dish symbolizes the mixed emotions of life – joy, sorrow, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust. People also decorate their homes with mango leaves and flowers, and exchange gifts with their loved ones.
The day is also marked by prayers and religious rituals. People visit temples to offer their prayers to the gods and goddesses. The day is also considered auspicious for starting new ventures and taking up new projects. People also take a holy dip in rivers and lakes to purify their souls and seek blessings from the gods.
Ugadi is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the new year. People gather in large numbers and exchange gifts and sweets. Traditional games such as kabaddi and gilli-danda are also played. This is also a time for reflection and introspection, and people take the opportunity to make resolutions for the coming year.
Ugadi is a time of renewal and hope. It is a time to look forward to the future with optimism and joy. It is a time to celebrate the blessings of the past year and to make plans for the coming year. It is a time to be thankful for all the good things in life and to look forward to a better future. So, if you are looking to start the new year with joy and optimism, then Ugadi is the perfect time to do so.
