Ugadi is the New Year (Lunar New Year) for Telugu and Kannada speaking people and
it ushers in the spring season. Ugadi (yuga and adi) means beginning of an astronomical
cycle. It is also the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the traditional Hindu
calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Ugadi is also known as Chadramana
Ugadi or Chandramana Varsha Thodaku or Vatsara Arambha. In 2009, the date of Ugadi
is March 27.
For the Telugu and Kannada speaking people, Ugadi day begins with an extensive oil
bath. Rangolis or Kolams are drawn in front of homes and doors and windows are decorated
with a 'thorana' - mango leaves strung together. Then, it is time for the preparation
of the famous ‘Ugadi Pachadi’ in Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, it is
the ‘Bevu Bella.’
A major event on the day is “Panchanga Sravanam” – predictions
for the year. It is organized at temples and by cultural and social organizations.
Ugadi Pachadi which is distributed on the day is a unique dish with a mixture of
six tastes ranging from sweet to bitter. It comprises of jaggery, raw mango, tamarind,
neem flowers, salt and green chilli. This is the first dish that people have on
Ugadi day.
Ugadi Pachadi has an important symbolic meaning that life brings different experiences
ranging from sweet to bitter. Therefore each individual should learn to take the
different experiences in one's stride and move ahead.
Instead of the Ugadi Pachadi, in some places people serve jaggery mixed with neem
leaves. The bitter taste of neem leaves and the sweet of jaggery symbolize joy and
sorrow in life. This is more popular with Kannadigas.
Maharashtrians celebrate Gudhi Padwa on the day.
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2009 - PANCHANGAM
How to observe or celebrate Ugadi?
How to prepare Ugadi Pachadi?