Ugadi Festival

U is the 21st alphabet.  Ugadi Festival  which is celebrated in Karnataka,Maharashtra, Sind and Andhra Pradesh. I have described here the festival, which I attended  at a friend's house. The rituals  described here are based on the basis of  celebrations in my friend's house.

Ugadi is the celebration of New Year in Kanataka and Andhra Pradesh.  There are other states also, which celebrate  New Year at the same time of the year but they are named  differently. For example Maharashtrians and Sindhis also celebrate  New Year at the same time. While in Maharashtra it is known as Gudi Padva, Sindhis call their New Year Chedi Chand. (Y)ug means ‘era’  and ‘adi’ means the beginning, hence it marks the end of one yuga. It usually marks the end of March or the beginning of April. Sun God is worshipped during this festival.

The legend associated with the festival is that Lord Brahma started the creation of the universe on this day. All the elements present  in the universe were also created. Life is a mixture of  happiness, sadness,  anger, fear, disgust, surprise, love, shock and helplessness.  Thus the   new year gives a message that human beings  must accept ups and downs in life with equanimity. A dish called Pachadi, which has nine ingredients is prepared in many homes. It contains curds, salt, raw mango,  green chillies, jaggery, curry leaves and  mustard seeds. The nine ingredients  represent the nine elements present in the universe. Another dish known as Puran Poli is  also considered  auspicious. It is made with jaggery, and rice/ maida and looks like a roti.

Special Preparation

 People get up early morning and have oil bath. They  visit  friends and relatives and have a feast. The festival coincides with the advent of Spring, when nature is at its best.

 

Pics Courtesy Google

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