Ugadi is the popular festival of South India and it is majorly celebrated in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Ugadi is celebrated to mark the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu calendar. While in Maharashtra, people celebrate it as Gudi Padwa, which also marks the first day of the ‘Chaitra’ month. Both Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are regarded as the herald of the harvest season and this year it will fall on April 2.
Ugadi is made up of 2 words ‘yug’ meaning age and ‘adi’ meaning beginning. As per some Hindu scriptures, Ugadi is also believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created this universe. Other than Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on this day. While in North India, this day marks the onset of the spring festival known as Vasant Navratri, which ends with Ram Navami. Being a major spring festival in Southern India, people decorate their homes with colorful and bright rangolis and flowers. Mango leaves and neem are used to make toranas and initiate new ventures.
Related Article: Six Fun Activities For Kids To Try Out This Ram Navami
How is Ugadi Celebrated?
The Ugadi celebrations usually begin 1 week before the actual day of the festival. People start by cleaning and decorating their homes. The majority of the house entrances are decorated and adorned with colorful Rangoli patterns because people believe that the new year will be as bright and colorful as the different colors of Rangoli. On the day of Ugadi, people wake up before sunrise, take a customary oil bath, and wear new clothes. Moreover, mango leaves are used at the entrances of temples, homes, and shops.
It is also an auspicious day to start something new. To make your Ugadi celebrations extra special, delicious delicacies are prepared to celebrate the festival, including Pachhadi, a type of chutney that is prepared by using 6 different flavors and spices. The chutney is made with ingredients like- neem flowers, chili powder, tamarind, mango, jaggery, and salt. All the ingredients are used to reflect upon the different aspects of human life.
Therefore, Pachhadi is a customary dish that is prepared in mostly all households. Apart from Pachhadi, other items like Holige, and Puliogure are also made, especially in Karnataka. People also listen to Panchanga which is known as the forecast of the coming year as told and narrated by priests, astrologers, and elder members of the family. Apart from all this, various cultural events and colorful processions are conducted all across the country. Ugadi is also made special by various traditional customs like exchanging gifts among family and friends.
What Does Ugadi Signify?
The colorful festival of Ugadi signifies leaving the past behind and embracing the beginnings of life with a positive attitude and mind. It is a happy and joyous occasion, and people see Ugadi as an occasion to celebrate peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Related Article: How To Celebrate Basant Panchami With Kids?
Final Words
At the end of the day, Ugadi is all about embracing happiness and peace. The festival of spring is also a great way to savor delicious delicacies and don’t forget to lend your ears to interesting and intriguing mythological stories and folklores. The family of PiggyRide wishes everyone a very Happy Ugadi. May the coming new year be filled with laughter, joy, and positivity.
WRITTEN BY:
Ridhi Dogra
Hi Friends! I am Ridhi Dogra.
I am working as a Content Writer with PiggyRide. I graduated from Delhi University with a bachelor's degree in Home Science and I did my post-graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University. I am an avid reader, a passionate traveler, and a movie buff.
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