Ugadi, the Festival of the People of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, South India

Posted on August 21, 2008 - Filed Under Travel for less talk

Ugadi is the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit.
It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. It falls on “Chaitra Masa”, the Spring month. This festival usually falls at the end of March or early April. This year (2008) Ugadi falls on 7th of April. Ugadi is the festival of Karnataka and also the festival of Andhra Pradesh in South India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Preparation for the festival starts well in advance. Shopping for the new clothes and the festival items are done with great excitement. Mango leaves and coconuts are used on this auspicious occasion to propitiate gods.

The day begins with ritual showers of oil bath, followed by prayers, and then the eating of Ugadi Pacchadi. It is a specific mixture of neem buds, jaggery, raw mango, green pepper and tamarind juice, symbolising the fact that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain and that to be accepted with ease. In Karnataka, this special dish is called Bevu Bella and in Andhra Pradesh it is called Ugadi Pachhadi. It makes us develop positive attitude towards life.

This ritual is followed by listening to the recitation of the religious almanac (locally called Panchanga Shravana) of the coming year and the general forecast of the year to come. Now this can be watched on the television. Ugadi is also considered an auspicious time to venture into new projects.

Entrance of the houses are decorated with fresh mango leaves. People go to temples, perform special pujas, abhishekam, homam and chant mantras. The people of these two states celebrate this festival with gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast. Gifts are also exchanged with friends and relatives during the occasion. Ugadi is a joyous occasion for one and all.

Literary discussions and recognition of authors through awards and cultural programs, are also done during Ugadi celebrations.

Apart from the above two states, the people of Maharashtra in India, also celebrate their New Year on the same day and it is called as Gudi Padwa.

Lakshmi Menon writes articles on various topics, including South India tourism. To know more about South India, please visit http://www.enchanting-south-india-vacations.com

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