A lot is talked about India and its culture; this country surprises the world when every minute and tiny event is celebrated in a grandeur manner. Indian should be a synonym for festivals as numerous festivals are celebrated in this country throughout the year. If the happiness index of any country is measured by the number of festivities in that country, then India will top the chart of this index.

One such festival is Ugadi, mainly celebrated in the southern belt of India, including the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Ugadi is usually celebrated in the summer, typically in March or April yearly. There is a lot to discuss this festival that we will study in this article.

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What is the Significance Of Ugadi?

According to the Hindu calendar, Ugadi, a Hindu festival, marks the beginning of the new year, but this faith varies across different regions, religions and beliefs. Ugadi is also known as Yugadi, a Sanskrit word. If we do a breakdown of this word, yug usually refers to ages, and Adi translates to the beginning, thus marking the initiation of a beginning of a new era. Here are the significances of Ugadi.

How are Ugadi and Hindu Mythology Associated?

If you study Hindu mythology, it is usually believed that -

• Brahma started the formation of this universe on this auspicious day of Ugadi.
• Other stories are related to Lord Vishnu, or Yugaadikrit, which translates to the one who created the yuga or ages.
• According to astrology, Ugadi also marks the beginning of kalyug.

These are popular folklore associated with the celebration of this festival.

Metamorphosis of Nature

This auspicious day is also celebrated as the beginning of Basant Ritu or Spring. There is a spiritual and soothing aroma around this time of the year. Peoples of Deccan celebrate this festival around Shukla Paksha of the first month of Chaitra of the Hindu calendar. In this season, plants and trees blossom with new flowers; new leaves ooze out the stem, delighted and soothing fragrance, along with the soft and gentle warmth of the sun, creates an ambience of peace and comfort where there is no sign of harsh rays of summers or chilly winds of winters. So, this festival also marks the beginning and celebration of spring.

Is Ugadi and Gudipadwa same?

Gudi Padwa also marks the beginning of the new year. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on this holy day and introduced days, weeks, months and years into the universe. The significant difference between Ugadi and Gudi Padwa is the areas of celebration. Ugadi is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, while Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra and neighbouring west areas. Apart from the location of the celebration, these two festivals hold significance for Hindus.

How to Celebrate Ugadi?

Enthusiasm and traditional rituals are a prominent part of the celebration of Ugadi. Peoples of Deccan adore this festival; on this day, Hindus wake up early for a traditional oil bath and embellish their houses with rangoli( a design or pattern made from coloured powder) and mango leaves. People celebrating this festival also visit temples for divine offerings and blessings to make the year more prosperous and happy. A special meal is prepared on this, and this food marks the memorable highlight of the day.

It includes dishes like -

• Ugadi Pachadi is a unique mixture of six tastes - sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy, and spicy.
• Pulihora (tamarind rice)
• Bobbatlu (sweet flatbread)
• Vada (deep-fried lentil dumplings).

These foods symbolise the different experiences one goes through in life. Some life experiences will be sweet, some sour, and others bitter, salty, tangy and spicy.

Ugadi is an important festival that marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with traditional rituals, decorations, and a special meal. It is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to a new beginning with hope and positivity. May this new beginning symbolise the beginning of a new mindset, enriched experiences and undefiable success. We, from the team of IndianShelf, Wish you a Happy and prosperous Ugadi.