Ugadi (also spelled Yugadi) marks the New Year as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, primarily celebrated in:
Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Karnataka
In Maharashtra, a similar festival is celebrated as Gudi Padwa on the same day.
Meaning & Name
- "Ugadi" = "Yuga" (age) + "Adi" (beginning) — meaning "start of a new era".
- It typically falls in March or April, marking the beginning of spring and the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar.
How Ugadi is Celebrated
1. Home Cleaning & Decoration
- Homes are cleaned thoroughly and decorated with rangoli (muggulu) and mango leaves toranams.
2. Puja and Panchanga Sravanam
- Special pujas are performed at home or temples.
- Panchanga Sravanam: A priest or elder reads the new year predictions from the Hindu almanac.
3. Traditional Food – Ugadi Pachadi
A unique dish called Ugadi Pachadi is prepared, symbolizing the six flavors of life:
| Ingredient | Taste | Symbolizes |
|---|---|---|
| Neem flowers | Bitter | Sadness |
| Jaggery | Sweet | Happiness |
| Tamarind | Sour | Disgust |
| Raw Mango | Tangy | Surprise |
| Salt | Salty | Interest |
| Chili |
This represents that life is a mixture of emotions, and we must embrace them all.
4. New Clothes & Cultural Activities
- People wear new traditional clothes, visit temples, and spend time with family.
- In some regions, poetry recitals, music, and folk dance events are held.
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
- Marks the day Lord Brahma started creation.
- Astrologically, it's when the sun crosses the equator, bringing balance and new beginnings.
- A time to let go of the past and start fresh with hope and positivity.
Regional Names
| State | Name of the Festival |
|---|---|
| Andhra/Telangana | Ugadi |
| Karnataka | Ugadi |
| Maharashtra | Gudi Padwa |
| Tamil Nadu | Puthandu (celebrated a few days later) |
| Punjab | Baisakhi (mid-April) |
Ugadi is more than just a new year — it’s about celebrating life, being grateful, and moving forward with faith, family, and festivity.