Team Festive wishes you all a very happy Ugadi.
What?
Ugadi is one of the most popular Indian festivals. It is celebrated to signify the beginning of a New Year, as per the Indian lunar calendar. Ugadi also marks the beginning of the spring season and the energizing process of the earth. During this time the Earth is tilted is such a way that it receives the maximum sunlight. Hence, people consider it as the beginning of a rejuvenation-cycle of Earth and celebrate this festival with great zeal and enthusiasm.
As per the Hindu legends, Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Ugadi. The word ‘Ugadi’ was derived from the Sanskrit name ‘Yugadi’, which is a combination of two terms, ‘Yuga’ – an era and ‘adi’ – beginning. Hence, people celebrate Ugadi to mark the first day of the creation of the universe.
When?
As per the Hindu calendar, this festival falls on the first day of Chaitra month or in the Gregorian month of March and April.
Where?
Ugadi is mostly celebrated with great pomp and zeal in the south-Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is also celebrated in Maharashtra with a different name, ‘Gudi Padwa’. In other parts of India like Punjab, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu, this day is celebrated as the first day of the harvesting season.
How?
The preparations for Ugadi begin well in advance. People clean their houses and buy new clothes for the family members and relatives. Mango leaves decorations called Toranas are hung on the main gate of the house. On the day of the festival, all the members of the family wake up before sun rise and take bath after applying oil on their body. The idols of the gods and goddesses are also anointed with oil before they’re worshiped. Flowers and leaves of the auspicious trees are collected to decorate the houses and colorful rangolis are being draw at the front of the main gate. People wear new clothes and visit the temples to offer their prayers to the gods. They also donate new clothes and food to the poor.
Food is an integral part of the Ugadi celebration. People cook and eat several delicacies on Ugadi. However the main dish that is served on the Ugadi day is Bevu Bella or Ugadi Pachadi. It is considered as the most auspicious dish of this festival and is first served to the gods. It is prepared by blending the six distinct flavors of neem leaves, tamarind, chilli powder, unripe mango, salt, and jaggery, which symbolize the various emotions of a human being while facing difficulties, challenges, anger or upsetting moments, surprises, interests and happiness in life.
Why?
Ugadi has a massive significance in the life of people. It inspires people to let go of their bitter experiences of the past and start a new life. It also reminds us to embrace all our emotions and have a positive outlook towards life.