Ugadi is the New Year's Day for people of the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India. The name Yugadi or Ugadi comes from the Sanskrit words Yuga (age) and Adi (beginning): The beginning of a new age. Yugadi or Ugadi falls on Chaitra Shudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Indian month of Chaitra. This usually falls in late March or early April of the Gregorian calendar.
People from the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh use the term Ugadi, Karnataka uses the term Yugadi and Maharashtra uses the term Gudi Padwa and as Cheti Chand by Sindhis for this festival.
According to popular belief, legend has it that Brahma began the creation of the universe on the day of Ugadi. He then continued creating days, weeks, months, and years to keep track of time. Thus, Ugadi is believed to be the first day of the creation of the universe.
According to the lunisolar calendar, Ugadi marks the day when a new astronomical cycle is set in motion. The tilt of the earth allows the northern hemisphere to receive the maximum amount of sunlight for a period of 21 days beginning on the day of Ugadi. It signifies a period when the earth begins to recharge for a new beginning with the help of the Sun's energy. Ugadi marks the beginning of the earth's revival period.
Ugadi marks the regeneration of Mother Nature. With the advent of spring, Mother Nature awakens from her reverie and gives birth to new shoots, leaves, and plants. A blanket of greenery begins to cover the earth, and everything in nature seems to be adorned with a new look. The spring festival of Vasanta Navratri also begins on this day and continues for nine days before concluding on Ram Navami.
The celebration of Ugadi starts with putting on new clothes and sharing delicious dishes. On the occasion of Ugadi, people emphasize preparing a special dish called Bevu Bella or Ugadi Pachhadi, which incorporates the six different flavors of life through its six ingredients. Each ingredient in this dish represents a different flavor:
• Neem flowers are for a more bitter taste that symbolizes difficulties in life.
• Tamarind is for a sour taste that symbolizes challenges.
• Chili powder is for a spicy taste that symbolizes moments of anger or annoyance.
• Green mango is for a sour taste that symbolizes surprises.
• Salt is for a savory taste that symbolizes interest in life.
• Jaggery is for a sweet taste that symbolizes happiness.
Thus, the dish has all the flavors, starting with bitterness and ending with sweetness. Bevu Bella or Ugadi Pachhadi denotes that life is a combination of diverse experiences, emotions, and events that one must learn to face with courage. It is the first dish on Ugadi day. The occasion is about letting go of the past and starting a new year with fresh expectations and a positive attitude. Ugadi not only signifies the beginning of a new year, but also the start of a new phase in a person's life.
People also decorate their homes with mango leaves, marigold flowers, and rangoli patterns, signifying prosperity and growth. Homes are cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers and new clothes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Another important aspect of the occasion is the Panchanga Shravanam or listening to the Panchanga. This is read by the priests in the temples or by the eldest member of the family at home. On this day, based on the lunar sign, annual predictions and forecasts for the New Year are also made by the wise priests and astrologers.
Besides astrological predictions, Panchangam also provides insight into seasonal changes and agricultural cycle forecasts, which are crucial for farmers. This information helps farmers plan their planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities, ensuring they achieve the best yields and avoid losses.
Panchanga Sravanam is considered an essential part of Ugadi celebrations as it sets the tone for the new year and provides people with a roadmap for the year ahead. It also gives people the opportunity to seek guidance and blessings from the gods, thus ensuring a prosperous and successful year.
Thus, the festival is celebrated to welcome a new beginning in life each year with the expectation of happiness, well-being, growth, and prosperity, filling the heart with love and taking the path of sacrifice to realize the Divinity within.
Ugadi is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a time of new beginnings, when people reflect on the past year and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. From traditional dishes to rituals, Ugadi is a time of joy, feasting, and celebration.
Ugadi Pachadi Recipe
Ingredients:
Raw mango – 1 medium size
Neem flowers – 1 tablespoon
Jaggery – ¼ cup
Tamarind – 2 teaspoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Green chili pepper – 1
Water – 2 cups
Recipe:
Soak the tamarind in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. Extract the tamarind juice and set aside.
Cut the raw mango into small pieces and set aside.
Take a small bowl, add the neem flowers, and pour hot water over it. Let it sit for a minute and drain the water. This step helps reduce the bitterness of the neem flowers.
In a pan, add the tamarind juice, jaggery, and salt. Heat the pan over medium heat and stir well until the jaggery dissolves.
Once the jaggery has dissolved, add the chopped mango, neem flowers and sliced green chili to the pan.
Mix well and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes over low heat.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
Serve Ugadi Pachadi as a side dish.
