India is celebrating Ugadi on Saturday, 6 April this year. The day marks the beginning of a new year for the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
According to Hindu mythology, Ugadi is celebrated on Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Chaitra (the first month of the Hindu calendar) to mark the arrival of spring season.
On this day, people wear new clothes, make Rangolis and decorate the entrance of their houses with mango leaves to please Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesh. Some also use cow dung to ‘purify’ their environment. In many places of Karnataka, Kavi Sammelans (literary gatherings) are also organised for people to engage in literary discussions.
Some of the delicacies prepared as a customary ritual on Ugadi include Ugadi Pachchadi, Pulihora, Payasam, Pongal etc.
Ugadi: Different Names in States
The festival has different names in different states.
- It is known as Barhaspatyamana in north of Vindhya hills.
- It is observed as Chandramana or Sauramana in south of Vindhya hills.
- The festival is called Ugadiare Gudipadava by the Marathas.
- The festival is called Cheti Chand by the Sindhis.
- The festival is known by the name of SajiburCheiraoba in Manipur.
History & Significance of Ugadi
According to a popular belief, Lord Brahma created the universe on this auspicious day, which is why Ugadi is celebrated with great zeal and fervour in various Indian states as a festival of prosperity.
Astrologers, on the other hand, believe it was on the day of Ugadi when Lord Krishna’s ‘Niryaana’ began in the fortnight of Chaitra, marking the beginning of Kaliyug.
(With inputs from ugadifestival.org)
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