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Ugadi is celebrated as the New Year’s Day by the Hindus of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states in India. This festival generally comes in March or April of the Gregorian Calendar. This festival is called by many names like – the people of the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh call it “Ugadi“, in Karnataka, it is called “Yugadi” and in Maharashtra, it is known as “Gudi Padwa”.

One of the most notable practices that are carried out during this holiday is the creation of a “Kolam” on the floor. Kolam is a large, colorful display that is made out of chalk, rock dust, rice, and/or other materials. They can be very striking and attractive for their intricate design. People decorate their doors by Mango leaves.

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Many people give charity. Some give gifts to their friends and relatives on this day. They wear new clothes, take a ceremonial bath and oil treatment. Some go to temples for prayers and offerings, or rituals. Some celebrate it by eating symbolic and festive foods.

The “Pachadi” dish is important, especially in South India. It contains numerous flavors in a single soup. It can be sweet, and at the same time, sour; salty, and then at the same time bitter. It is essentially meant to symbolize the idea that all life experiences may befall one in the year ahead.

What is Ugadi?

Ugadi is celebrated as the Lunar New Year’s Day by the people of the Telugu and Kannada communities in India.

When is Ugadi in 2021?

The date of Ugadi is calculated on the basis of the position of the moon, dating back to the 12th century. Ugadi starts on the first new moon after the Spring Equinox. While Ugadi is celebrated the next morning because an Indian day starts from sunrise.

This day usually falls in late March or early April in the western or Gregorian Calendar. On this day, the moon signifies a change in the seasons and hence Ugadi is, essentially a spring festival.

The name Ugadi or Yugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga which means age and ādi which means starting. Hence ‘the beginning of a new age‘.

History of Ugadi

The belief is that on the day of Ugadi is that Lord Brahma created the universe.

The nine-day long spring festival of Chaitra Navratri or Vasanta Navratri begins on the day of Ugadi and ends on Ram Navami. It is believed that the Hindu Lord Brahma started the creation of the universe on this day – ‘Chaitra Suddha Padhyami‘ or the Ugadi Day.