Ugadi in 2025

Ugadi marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year and is observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Goa in India. The terms Yugadi or Ugadi stem from the Sanskrit words 'yuga' (age) and 'adi' (beginning), denoting ‘the start of a new age’. Typically falling in late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar, this day holds historical and cultural significance for Hindus. Celebrated under different names such as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Yugadi in Karnataka, it is a time-honoured tradition. Traditions on this day include creating colourful floor patterns like Muggulu or Rangoli, adorning doors with mango leaves known as torana, exchanging gifts, offering charity, indulging in oil massages and ceremonial baths, preparing and sharing a special dish called pachadi, and visiting Hindu temples. Pachadi, with its blend of six flavours, symbolises embracing all aspects of life in the upcoming year according to Telugu and Kannada Hindu customs. 

Ugadi Festival full Form

The word "Ugadi" is a combination of two words — "Yuga" (age) and "Adi" (beginning). An auspicious occasion, the day is celebrated with much pomp and gusto. People from every sphere of the society enjoy the day by wearing new clothes and gorging on delicious delicacies. Prayers are offered in temples to welcome the new year while people clean their homes and decorate them with Rangolis—a traditional way to decorate floors by creating various patterns with coloured rice or flower petals.

A Bit about the History of Ugadi

As per Hindu mythology, it was on this day that Lord Brahma created the universe. He then went on to create days, weeks, months, and years. So, Ugadi is believed to be the first day of the creation of the universe.

Importance of Ugadi

The following are the importance of Ugadi: 

The term Ugadi derived from the word Yugadi. Primarily, the term Yugadi is the combination of two great words: Yuga, which means age or period; and Adi, which means the beginning of something. Therefore, Ugadi literally means the origination of New Year. The festival carries a greater amount of significance for people who celebrate this festival to recognize the work of Lord Brahma. The Lord is entrusted to be the creator of ages and is adulated on the day of the festival.

How is Ugadi Celebrated?

The following are the details as how Ugadi is celebrated: 

1. The celebration actually begins one week before the day of Ugadi.  
2. People start cleaning and decorating their respective homes.  

1. Most house entrances are decorated with colourful Rangoli patterns because it's believed that the new year will be as bright and colourful like the various colours of Rangoli. 
2. People usually wake up before sunrise, take a customary oil-bath, and wear new clothes.  
3. Mango leaves are placed at the entrances of temples, homes, and shops.  
4. New business ventures and inauguration of shops and malls are common on this day as Ugadi is considered a prosperous day to start something new. 
5. Special delicacies are prepared to celebrate the occasion, including Pachhadi, a type of chutney that's prepared by incorporating six different flavours.  

1. It's prepared by mixing neem flowers, chilli powder, tamarind, mango, jaggery, and salt.  
2. All the ingredients used reflects the various facets of life.  
3. Pachhadi is a customary dish that's prepared in most households.  

1. Other than Pachhadi, dishes like Holige and Puliogure are also prepared, especially in the state of Karnataka. 
2. Another important aspect of the festival is listening to Panchanga —the forecast of the coming year as told by priests, astrologers, or older members of the family. 

1. Other than these, cultural events are organised across states. 
2. Traditional customs like exchanging gifts among family members and relatives are also common. 

Ugadi signifies leaving the past and embracing the beginning of a new phase in life with a positive frame of mind. A joyous festival, Ugadi is looked up by the people as a harbinger of peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Best Ways to Celebrate Ugadi

Did you know? You can prepare greeting cards on the occasion of the festival yourself. Women design attractive rangolis in front of their houses. It is one of the most significant features of the festival. Many people prefer buying something expensive and pray for prosperity. The day remarks the commencement of something new. For instance, the day on which Yugadi is celebrated is also considered as the best day for constructing a new house or buying a property.

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