Ugadi is the traditional New Year festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, marking the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The festival usually falls in March or April, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and hope. On Ugadi, people clean and decorate their homes with mango leaves and rangoli (muggulu), wear new clothes, and offer prayers to Lord Brahma, the creator, seeking blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. A special preparation called Ugadi Pachadi — a unique mixture of six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) — is made from jaggery, neem flowers, tamarind, salt, green chili, and raw mango, representing the different experiences of life. Families gather to perform rituals, read Panchangam (almanac) predictions for the new year, and celebrate with music, dance, and festive meals. Ugadi embodies renewal, optimism, and the cultural richness of South India, reminding everyone to embrace life with joy and positivity.
Ugadi
