Place of celebration: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Widely and popularly celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi heralds the beginning of their New Year. In Telegu, the word 'Ugadi' means 'Start of a new era'.
With the arrival of spring, this festival is also an occasion for the arrival of new crops for the farmers. Chaitra Navratri also starts from this day. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on this day in Maharashtra. In this festival, Lord Brahma, who created the universe, is worshiped. On this day beverages called Pachadi are consumed. on this day, new works are started in South India. According to Brahmapuran, Shiva cursed Brahma that his worship will not be done anywhere on earth. But Chaturanan is worshiped on the auspicious festival of Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh.
For Telegus and Kannads, it marks the beginning of their calendar year, which is based on the Salivahana era. This day falls on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. They begin their day with ritual showers followed by prayers. They relish a traditional "Ugadi Pachhadi' or 'Beva Bella' mixture consisting of neem buds/jaggery, raw mango and tamarind juice. This symbolizes that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together.
On this day, there is an informal elderly and scholarly social circle, gather together for 'Panchangaravanam'. They read and listen to the religious almanac 'Panchangam' of the coming year and the general predictions. Ugadi celebrations are marked by literary discussions and recognition of authors of literary works through awards and cultural events. On this day, recitals of classical Carnatic music and dance are held in the evenings. Ugadi is a season of pickles.
With raw mangoes available in plenty, women make good use of mangoes to last them until the next season. Special dishes like 'pulihora' and 'bobbatlu' are relished. In Karnataka, they make similar preparations called 'Puliogure' and 'holige'. Budding and professional poets at the 'Kavi Sammelanam' recite melodic couplets. They look forward to recite their poetic verses on different subjects ranging - from Ugadi - to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.
Ugadi Puja Vidhi: Method of Worship
- On this day Get up early in the morning.
- Take a bath by applying boiled and sesame oil on the body. After this, go to the temple wearing new clothes.
- Chant Brahma Ji's mantras with the smell, akshat, jasmine flowers, and water in hand.
- On this day, people make a swastika symbol with Rangoli, turmeric, or kumkum for positive energy.
- On this day people also build the altar.
- The Ashtadal Kamal is celebrated by laying white cloth on this altar with turmeric or yellow syllable.
- Now the statue of Lord Brahma is installed on it. After this, worship Ganeshambika
- and chant the Un Brahmane Mantra.
- Pollelu cuisine is made on this day in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a type of paratha.
Ugadi Vrat Katha: Story of Ugadi
According to Puranas. As a demon named Somakasura stole the Vedas penned by Veda Vyasa and hide in Sea. The Veda Scholars and saints who came to know that matter went to Lord Vishnu and narrated the incident. When they ask help from Lord Vishnu in return of Vedas from Somakasura. Lord Vishnu takes 'Matsya Avatar' (Fish), which is one of the 10 incarnations of Vishnu and kill Somakasura. When he returns Vedas to Lord Bhrama.Brahma who received Vedas from Lord Vishnu created this world on Chitra Shuddha Padyami. Brahma created this world on Padyami (first day) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Chaitra. In fact, the same day marks the commencement of the Vasanta Ritu (spring season). On the same day, Brahma created stars, planets, months, seasons, and made them part of this nature.
The followers of Hindu Dharma celebrate the day on which Brahma created this world as the first day of the year or Ugadi. This is the actual story behind Ugadi which is the first festival in Telugu New Year. Although, several stories are in circulation explaining the reason for celebrating Ugadi. The story of Lord Vishnu's Matsya Avatar is said to be the reason for Ugadi.
