Ugadi 2022: Where it is Celebrated? History and Significance: Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, is a renowned South Indian festival mainly celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana to commemorate the beginning of a new year. The festival of Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Ugadi falls on April 2, Saturday. Likewise, on the same day, Gudi Padwa, the traditional New year of Maharashtra is enjoyed by the Marathi and Konkani Hindus.
On this glorious occasion, people traditionally decorate their house with mango leaves, garlands of flowers, prepare tasty foods, make vibrant rangoli and decorate them with floral designs in front of the door. Besides, they take a special oil bath to show their devotion to the gods and also wear new clothes.
History of Ugadi Festival
The Ugadi term originated from Sanskrit, where the word ‘yuga’ means time and the word ‘adi’ denotes beginning. This means ‘the beginning of a new age’. It has been remarked as one of the prominent and historic Hindu festivals with some ancient texts and inscriptions recording important charitable donations to Hindu temples and community centres on this day.
According to the legends, this festival is named after Lord Brahma, said to be the creator of this universe on the day of Ugadi. Hence, this day also indicates the beginning of Satyajug. Not only that, but it also marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri which leads up to Ram Navami, Lord Rama’s birthday.
Ugadi symbolises the beginning of spring and the arrival of mild summers. On the day of Ugadi, after offering prayer there is a ritual of consuming neem leaves. In some places, devotees even make a paste of neem leaves mixed with coriander seeds, tamarind and jaggery. It is believed that consuming the neem leaves will purify our blood and will also increase our immunity to fight diseases. Additionally, green chilli/pepper is eaten to control our anger.
How Ugadi is Celebrated?
Preparations for Ugadi begin a week in advance and include customs common to many spring festivals such as house cleaning and buying new clothes. On the day of Ugadi, a tradition is to get up before dawn for an Abhyang – a head bath an after massaging with sesame oil.
Ugadi heralds the arrival of Spring and warmer weather. As such it is a joyous festival signifying growth and prosperity and as with all New Year festivals, it is a chance to put the errors of the past behind, make predictions and a good time to start new ventures.
A customary food prepared during Ugadi is Bevu Bella, a paste made from jaggery (sugar), neem buds, tamarind juice, and raw mango. The paste combines several sweet and sour tastes. These different tastes are intended to remind anyone tasting the paste that life is a mixture of happy and sad events.
Ugadi Festival Significance
Given that it is still celebrated with so much enthusiasm, Ugadi’s significance in people’s lives is massive. It is observed to honour Lord Brahma and his creation, and Vishnu in his Yugaadikrit form is also worshipped as he is the creator of the universe. Astronomically, Ugadi begins the energising process of the earth.
It is around this time that the Earth, because of its tilt, receives the maximum sunlight and is symbolically understood to prepare and recharge itself for a new astronomical cycle. Because of this, there is also a season change on Earth where Ugadi, then, marks the beginning of the spring season.
As with the Gregorian new year, Ugadi also brings with it the feeling of letting go of past bygones and excitement and hope for a new year and new beginning.
Ugadi is a famous New Year festival in the three prominent states in Deccan India. While many might think it is concentrated only there, many south Indian families settled in North India celebrate this festival with as much gusto and enthusiasm. If one is ever lucky enough to travel to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh or Telangana during Ugadi, it is a must to stay and experience the most awaited festival in these states.
