Ugadi: Celebrating the New Year with joy and renewal in India

Team Udayavani, Mar 21, 2023, 8:27 AM IST

Representative Image (Source: Shutterstock)

The auspicious festival of Ugadi is almost here! In different regions, this festival goes by different names – Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Yudhishthira Samvatsarādi in Maharashtra, and Vishu in Kerala – but the significance remains the same. It’s a time of renewal, of leaving behind the past and looking towards a brighter future.

The festival of the new year, no matter what it’s called, is a time for new beginnings, hope, joy, and for spending time with loved ones.

So, let’s dive in and explore the significance of Ugadi in India!

Firstly, the word “Ugadi” is derived from the Sanskrit words “yuga” and “adi,” which mean “age” and “beginning,” respectively. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which typically falls in late March or early April. This year, it falls on March 22, 2023, according to the Gregorian calendar.

It’s celebrated with great enthusiasm in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

The significance of Ugadi lies in its symbolism. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and hope for the future. The festival is all about shedding the old and embracing the new. People clean their homes, wear new clothes, and decorate their houses with mango leaves and flowers.

The traditional practice of “ugadi pachadi” is also an essential part of the celebrations, especially in Andhra Pradesh. It’s a dish made with six tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and astringent. Each taste represents different emotions that one might experience in life. The dish symbolizes the acceptance of life’s various flavors and teaches people to be grateful for what they have.

One of the unique things about Ugadi is the way it brings people together. Families and friends come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share traditional sweets like “bobbatlu” and “holige.” It’s a time when people forgive past mistakes, let go of grudges, and start fresh. The festival’s message is all about spreading love, positivity, and hope for the future.

Ugadi is also an essential time for spiritual reflection. Many people visit temples and perform special prayers and rituals to mark the occasion. It’s believed that performing these rituals brings good fortune and blessings for the coming year.

To sum up, Ugadi is a time of joy, hope, and new beginnings. It’s a festival that teaches people to embrace change, accept life’s various flavors, and look forward to a bright future. So, if you ever get a chance to celebrate Ugadi, make sure to dive in and immerse yourself in its beautiful symbolism and traditions.