A Hindu New-Year festival is celebrated the in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka as Ugadi/Yugadi and in Maharashtra and Goa states it is known as Gudi Padwa. The New Year festival is known as Varsararambha (start of the year) is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (first day of the bright lunar fortnight of Chaitra). In Telugu- and Kannada-speaking regions, the name Ugadi comes from the Sanskrit words Yuga, meaning “era/age,” and adi, meaning “beginning.” Therefore, Ugadi signifies the beginning of a new era or a fresh start. According to some Hindu texts, Ugadi marks the God Brahma’s creation of the universe on this auspicious day and Vishnu is addressed as ‘Yugaadikrit.’ Along with the onset of a year, the Ugadi festival’s importance is felt amongst the mass and celebrates the vibrancy of nature as well as life.

During Yugadi, the entire nature appears to be drowned in the festive spirit and there lies the spiritual and socio-cultural significance of Ugadi. Like the new leaves, new buds, fresh breeze and bright sunlight, the Ugadi festival symbolizes the birth of a new era and celebrated on ShuklaPaksha (bright fortnight) of the first month Chaitra of the Hindu calendar and the first season of the year, Vasanta Ritu – the Spring season. The colorful blossoms symbolize growth in life. The Ugadi festival’s importance is very significant as all the natural, emotional, and spiritual elements works together.

What is the astronomical significance of Yugadi?

According to the Hindu calendar, Ugadi festival takes place following the movements of the Moon and the Sun. On this day, the Earth tilts a certain way on its axis and the northern part of the world gets more sunlight and starts a new cycle.

What is the historical significance of Yugadi?

The festival of Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year for those living between Kaveri River and Vindhyas and those who follow the lunar calendar of South Bharat that dates back to the Shalivahana era which is built by the great legend Shalivahana, who is  referred to as Gautamiputra Satakarni. After the completion of every sixty year, the calendar starts with a fresh New Year.  According to another legend, Lord Shiva had cursed Lord Brahma that he will not be worshipped ever but in Andhra Pradesh this festival of Ugadi is specifically celebrated in honor of Lord Brahma. As per one of the ancient tales, it is believed that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Matsya on this day. According to the astrological calculations, it is considered that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryaana was commenced in the early hours of bright fortnight of Chaitra that corresponds to 18.02.3102 BC and this day marks the beginning of the Kali Yuga. Therefore, Ugadi is also believed to be the onset of Kali Yuga. The great Mathematician Bhaskaracharya stated Ugadi as the commencement of the New Year and  the first month.

How is Ugadi festival celebrated?

Ugadi is celebrated as a festival of prosperity with great fervor and enthusiasm in the southern states of Bharat. The day begins with an oil bath, putting on new clothes, followed by prayers and offerings to the deities and to the creator. Hindu women also draw intricate geometric designs with colored powders, called Rangoli, in front of the temples and homes. In addition, families attend a temple to hear a recitation of the astrological yearbook for the coming year (Panchanga Sravanam).

One of the main rituals of Ugadi is the preparation of 'Ugadi Pachadi,' a unique dish made with six different tastes - sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy, and spicy. The mixture typically consists of tamarind, neem flowers, Jaggery, salt, chili pepper, and raw mango. The ingredients symbolize the various emotions and experiences of life, and the dish is eaten to remind people that life is a mixture of different flavors or emotions and the dish is significant as it has all the tastes of life

People also exchange greetings and wishes with their friends and family members. It is customary to visit relatives and seek their blessings for the New Year. In some parts of the southern states, people also organize cultural programs and processions to celebrate the festival.

Every ritual followed on this day, has its own significance. Hanging of mango leaves Toran and placing a Kalash near the door and inviting a priest to make the yearly forecast are all part of Ugadi significance and symbolism.

What is Gudi Padwa?

In Maharashtra and Goa states, the New Year festival on the same date as Ugadi is celebrated as  Gudi Padwa and has its own characteristic observance. The name combines the Marathi words Padwa, meaning ‘the first day of the lunar half-month’, with Gudi, meaning, “flag.” On this day, celebrants create a flag by attaching a scarf or cloth to the top of a long stick. A pot (kalash) is placed upside down atop the stick, and the ensemble is decorated with neem and mango leaves and a garland of flowers. The flag is placed outside the home and is said to symbolize victory, welcome fortune, and ward off evil energies. Pujas are offered as part of the observance.

What is the significance of Ugadi?

Ugadi is a festival that celebrates not only the beginning of a new year and the onset of spring but also a time to reflect on the past and make plans for the future. It is believed that whatever happens on this day sets the tone for the rest of the year. People clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare festive meals to welcome the New Year with positivity and enthusiasm.

The festival also holds religious, socio-cultural, and spiritual significance as it marks the onset of the spring season, which is considered a time of renewal and rejuvenation and celebrated it with great enthusiasm. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, wakes up from his cosmic sleep on this day, and the world comes alive with new energy. As people celebrate Ugadi, they take this opportunity to start afresh and embrace all the opportunities and challenges that the New Year brings in their life.