(Thelugu) ()

ఉా Thelugu: (Ugaadi),(Kannada: యు\ా€ (Yugadi), Konkani:  ) IPA: [juga:di] from yuga + aadi, yuga means era, aadi means start. The start of an era) is the 's Day for the people of the Deccan region of . While the people of and Andhra Pradesh use the term Yugadi / Ugaadi for this festival.

It falls on a different day every year because the Hindu is a lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with the month of (March–) and Ugaadi marks the first day of the newyear. Chaitra is the first month in Panchanga which is the Indian calendar.

The people of term the same festival, observed on the same day, . , people from , celebrate the same day as their New Year day . Manipuris also celebrate their New Year (Sajibu Cheiraoba) on the same day. While it is observed as Baisakhi in Punjab and in .

What to do on Ugaadi? What are the rituals and customs of Ugaadi festival? Ugaadi is celebrated as Thelugu New Year in Andhra Pradesh and Kannada New Year in Karnataka. This is day is popularly known as Marathi New Year or Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. Here is the list of rituals and customs of Ugaadi day in a brief manner:

Thailabhyangana Snanam (or ceremonial bath) : Thailabhyangana snanam or the ceremonial oil bath is performed on in the early morning on Ugaadi. Devotees observe as he was created the universe on this day.

Ugaadi Puja: Ganapathi Puja, Narayana Puja, Uma Maheshwara Puja, Vani Hiranyagarbha Puja, Shachi Puja, Arundathi Vasishta Puja, etc are also performed on Ugaadi for happiness and prosperity.

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Ugaadi Pachchadi: Ugaadi Pachchadi or the Ugaadi special recipe is offered in Puja and distribute it as Prasadam after the puja.

Ugaadi Panchanga Shravanam: In the evening Panchanga Sharavanam is done. Panchanga Shravanam means hearing astrology predictions of the year by the .

Chalivendram or Free water camp: Some enthusiastic and king hearted people start free water camp (Chalivendra) during the festival and continue it for coming four months (summer).

Ugaadi celebrations in temples like Thirumala Thirupathi temple, Dwaraka Thirumala Temple, Srisailam Bramaramba Mallikarjuna temple, Dharmastala Manjunatha temple, Sringeri Sharada temple, Horanadu Annapurna temple, etc. attract lakhs of devotees from all over the country.

1. Ugaadi Mantram – or Prayer to chant while taking Ugaadi Pachchadi or Bevu Bella

Ugaadi is celebrated with utmost pomp and gaiety by all Thelugu and Kannada people all over the world. Ugaadi Pachchadi is the special recipe or prasada distributed among all devotees. There is a mantram or stotram or sloka or prayer to chant while taking Ugaadi Pachchadi or Bevu Bella or Ugaadi prasadam on Ugaadi festival. Here is the slokam:

Shathayur vajradehathwam Sarvasampad pradam thathaa ! Sarvarishta haram kurve Nimba prathashanam shubham !!

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2. Ugaadi Significance and Symbolism – Thelugu New Year & Kannada New Year

Ugaadi, the nuthana samvatsaradhi or the New Year Day, is celebrated on Chaitra Shudda Pratipada or the first day of Chaitra Masam (Chait month) in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There is a great significance and cultural importance behind celebrating Thelugu New Year and Kannada New Year on Chaitra Pratipada. This day is also celebrated as Gudi Padwa or Marathi New Year in Maharashtra. In 2010, Ugaadi or Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 16, Tuesday. An article written by Udaya B L for Deccan Herald describes the significance and symbolism of Ugaadi in a brief yet crispy manner.

The article goes like:

Rituals observed on Ugaadi signify many things – leaving behind turbulence of past, commencement of new phase in life with renewed vigour and energy. ‘Bevu-bella – combination of bitter and sweet reminds us of pleasure and pain to be accepted with equanimity.

Indians are famous for celebrating their festivals in style and grand manner. All festivals have their own purpose and significance. They could symbolise seasonal change, a new year, signify a value or stand for a great occasion. Thus Sankranthi indicates onset of harvest season, Ugaadi implies heralding of the New Year, and Deepavali signifies the victory of the good over evil. The festivals coupled with specific rituals add a zest to life.

The word Ugaadi is derived from , which means beginning of a new year. (Yuga – era, aadi – beginning). Coming close on the heels of , the festival of colours, this day marks the beginning of the new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit.

It also heralds the onset of the spring – synonymous with ushering in of new life on earth. Spring is considered as the first season of the year indicating a new beginning. The trees shed old leaves paving way for the new one.

The verdant trees stand as a metaphor to vibrancy of life, proclaiming the truth that change is the only permanent thing in the world. The occasion signifies commencement of a new phase in life with renewed vigour and energy, past the defeats and unpleasant moments of the bygone year.

Ugaadi is observed on Chaitra Shuddha Padyami of the . It is believed that Lord Brahma began his creation on this day. The great Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya proclaimed the commencement of the New Year from Ugaadi day. It is said that Lord began his rule in Ayodhya after killing on this day.

World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Mythology says Lord donned Matsyavatara on Ugaadi and the south Indian King Shaalivahana commenced Shaalivahana Shake (era) from this day to register his victory. While it is called Ugaadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, in Maharashtra the festival is known as Gudi Padwa.

Symbolism of Ugaadi:

Various rituals mark the ushering in of the new era. Temples and homes are decorated on this day. The entrances are decorated with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. Karthika and , the two sons of Lord and Parvathi were said to be fond of mangoes. According to mythology, Karthika exhorted people to tie mango leaves to the doorway signifying a bumper crop and general wellbeing of the household. Colourful are drawn in front of the houses to welcome the New Year.

The rituals observed on the Ugaadi day signify moving ahead in life leaving the turbulence of the past. The day begins with a ceremonial bath. Elders and children alike wear new clothes and pray for a prosperous new year.

A paste of BevuBella (neem and jaggery) is served on this day. The paste has a special significance; it denotes the tastes that the life would offer to an individual in his or her course.

(Neem Tree, Neem leaves & Neem flowers)

The combination of bitter and sweet reminds us that there would be pleasure and pain in life and one should accept both with equanimity of mind. Neem, though tastes bitter, has medicinal properties as well. Thus consumption of neem also signifies that bitterness or pain refines a human being.

In Andhra Pradesh, “Ugaadi Pachchadi” is prepared with neem leaves, jaggery, raw mango, tamarind juice, green chilli and a pinch of salt. The ingredients symbolise six tastes – bitterness, sweet, tang, sourness, heat and saltiness corresponding to six experiences of anger, happiness, disgust, sadness, fear and surprise. Obbattu or holige is the principal dish for the occasion in Karnataka.

The 60year cycle brings us ‘Vikruti’ samvatsara this year. ‘Panchanga ‘ (reading of the Panchanga) is usually held in the evenings. The predictions on rain, the crops, the auspicious and inauspicious period, the loss and the gain for the year are World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ read aloud as a sort of preparing the people for the life ahead. Children and the young seek blessings from the elders on the occasion.

In Maharashtra, the festival is observed as Gudi Padwa. A bamboo pole (Gudi) covered by a garlandadorned goblet and a silk cloth is worshipped on the occasion. The pole signifies success.

Ugaadi, a celebration of life, thus announces the beginning of all that is new under the sun – the plant and the animal kingdom. While the festive spirit has dwarfed over time for various reasons, the festival provides an occasion to herald change in one’s life, together.

3. History of Ugaadi / Yugadi – Thelugu & Kannada New Year Day

Ugaadi or Yugadi Ugaadi is the New Years Day for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is also celebrated in Maharashtra as Gudi Padwa. Ugaadi 2010 date is March 16. Sindhi people observe the same day as Sindhi New Years Day, Cheti Chand. Since the Saka calendar begins with the month of Chaitra, Ugaadi is celebrated on the first day of the New Year.

Legends of Ugaadi – Yugadi: The Yugadi or Ugaadi observance has many legends or stories around it. Some of them are accurately describe the scene.

When KaliYuga has started – the beginning of KaliYuga: “Yesmin Krishno DivamVyataha, Tasmat eeva pratipannam Kaliyugam”, these Sanskrit verses of the great Sage Vedavyasa explains that Yuga has started at the time when Lord passed away. Yugadi, pronounced as Ugaadi, represents the beginning of a new Yuga (era). Some famous historians of India date the starting of KaliYuga to 3102 B.C.

Who Celebrate Ugaadi or Yugadi?

Ugaadi is the New Year day for the between the rivers – Vishyas and Kaveri, eventually the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The South Indian calendar follows the procedure of Salivahana era (Salivahana Saka). It starts its count from the date when the Shatavahana King, established his empire.

King Shalivahana is also called as Gautamiputra Shatakarni. The Southern India Calendar (the era of Shalivahana Shaka) counts its years starting from the year 78 A.D. of the . Hence the year 2000 A.D. marks the year 1922 of the Salivahana Saka.

Yugadi (start of new year) is based on Bhāskara II lunar calculations in 12th century. It starts on the first new moon after Sun crosses equator from south to north on Spring Equinox. For example, the time for the new moon for Bijapur where Bhaskaracharya was born can be determined from the website However, people celebrate Yugadi on the next morning as Indian day starts from sun rise. Many Indians in America also celebrate Yugadi.

World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ The Observance of Ugaadi – Yugadi Celebration:

As per the Lunar or Hindu calendar, yugadi corresponds to the first day of the first half of the Chaitra month, Chaitra Shudhdha Padyami (Chaitra Sudda Prathami), which usually comes in March or April months of the regular Gregorian calendar.

4. Payo Vratham – Vishnu Payo Vratham in Phalguna Masam

Payo Vratham is a vow dedicated to Lord Vishnu especially observed in some regions in Andhra Pradesh during Phalguna masam. Payo Vratham is observed for 12 days which starts on Phalguna Shukla Padyami and ends on Phalguna Shukla . It is mentioned in Shri Bhagavatham. In 2010, Payo Vratham will start on February 15 and end on February 26, 2010.

Lord Vishnu is offered Ksheerannam or the rice boiled in milk during the vratam. It is believed that by observing the vratam, Aditi has got Lord Vamana as her son. Go Daanam (donating cow), Dhanya daanam, and vasthra daanam are highly meritorious deeds to perform in Falguna masam.

5. How to observe or celebrate Ugaadi?

Ugaadi is the Kannada and Thelugu New Year. This is a short description of how Ugaadi is celebrated in Karnataka and includes the important pujas performed, neivediya prepared, food and other rituals. The main to do list include – buying new clothes, Neem flower and leaf Pachchadi preparation, oil bath and Ugaadi Panchanga Sravana. There are slight variations in the mode of Thelugu Ugaadi celebration.

Things Needed

• New Clothes for family members • Neem leaves and flowers for Pachchadi • New Year Panchanga • Fresh fruits • General Puja Flowers

Ugaadi Puja

• The eldest female member in the house usually prepares for the Ugaadi puja. • House is thoroughly cleaned. • Mango leave festoons or other decorations are installed on doors and windows. • Ugaadi Pachchadi or neem flower with jaggery is prepared.

New clothes for family members are arranged before the deity or in the puja room. A small mark using a pinch of turmeric and kum kuma is made on the new clothes, mostly on those areas which is not easily visible.

Next is the oil bath . A through oil bath with sesame oil or other hair oils is a must on Ugaadi. Usually children are given a good scalp oil massage by mothers.

Then family members take a bath and are given new clothes.

Now the family assembles in the Puja room.

The Panchanga Puja is performed. Copies of New Panchanga are placed on a stool and is decorated with turmeric, sandalwood paste and kumkum. Some flowers, uncooked rice and turmeric are placed on the panchanga. A simple puja is performed for the deity in the Puja room. Next is the usual arati on the deity and the panchanga.

Youngsters take the blessings of elders.

Next Ugaadi Pachchadi is eaten on empty stomach.

Next read the panchanga especially the part which contains next year’s predictions. World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ The traditional puja ends here. There are many Hindus who perform the Navagraha puja on Ugaadi day. This is done by an experienced family member or priest.

At night, it is considered highly auspicious to look at the moon. This is referred as Ugaadi Chandra Darshana.

6. How to prepare Ugaadi Pachchadi? Ugaadi, The New Year for Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka. Also celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra on the same day.

This auspicious day begins with prayers and eating of the traditional tamarind sauce called as “Ugaadi Pachchadi” in Andhra Pradesh and “Bevu-Bella” in Karnataka.

Ugaadi Pachchadi resembles the mixture of feelings in Life:

• Neem Buds/Flowers for Bitterness • Jaggery for Sweetness • Raw Mango for Vagaru • Tamarind Juice for sour • Salt for Salt • Chillies for Hotness

(Jeggery) (Tamarind)

(Tamarind) (Neem flowers)

(Mangoes)

World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ The Making of Ugaadi Pachchadi:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of tamarind juice • 1/2 tbsp of Jaggery • 1/2 cup Raw Mango (cut into fine pieces along with skin) • 1 small green chillies • 2 tsp Neem Flower (Vepa Puvvu) • 1/4 tsp salt

Method: Mix all the above ingredients to make the Ugaadi Pachchadi.

Note: To prepare 1 cup tamarind juice, soak small lemon sized tamarind to 1 cup of water for 15-20 mins. The blend manually and filter.

7. Symbolic Eating of a Dish with Six Tastes

The eating of a specific mixture of six tastes, called Ugaadi Pachhadi in Thelugu and Bevu-Bella in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) , which should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year.

The special mixture consists of:

• Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness • Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness, signifying Happiness • Green Chilli/Pepper for its hot taste, signifying Anger • Salt for saltiness, signifying Fear • Tamarind Juice for its sourness, signifying Disgust • Raw Mango for its tang, signifying Surprise

Special dishes

Obbottu or Bhakshalu/Holigey prepared on Ugaadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

In Karnataka a special dish called Obbattu or Holige, is prepared. In Andhra Pradesh, a special dish called Bhakshyalu or Bobbatlu (Polelu) (Puran Poli) are prepared on this occasion. It consists of a filling (Bengal gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a

World Informative & Entertaining Weblog: http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ paste) stuffed in a flat roti like bread. It is usually eaten hot/cold with ghee or milk topping or milk at some places of Karnataka.

Recitation of Almanac

Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious (almanac) of the new year, and the general forecast of the year to come. This is called the 'Panchanga Sravanam', an informal social function where an elderly and respected person refers to the new almanac and makes a general benediction to all present. The advent of television has changed this routine, especially in the cities. Nowadays, people turn on the TV to watch broadcasts of the "Panchanga Sravanam" recitation.

Cultural and Literary events

Ugaadi celebrations are marked by literary discussions, poetry recitations and recognition of authors of literary works through awards and cultural programs. Recitals of classical and dance are held in the evenings.

Festive wishes

When you meet any Thelugu people and want to wish them for Thelugu New Year, you say " Ugaadi Shubhakankshalu - Noothana Samvatsara Shubhakankshalu ". In response they greet you with, " Meeku kooda Ugaadi Shubhakankshalu - Meeku kooda Noothana Samvatsara Shubhakankshalu ".

In Kannada, the greeting would be "Yugadi Habbada Shubhashayagalu" Greetings for the festival of Yugadi or "Hosa varshada shubhashayagalu" Greetings on the new year.

In Konkani, it would be Navin varsache shubhashyay , Samvatsar padvyachi shubheccha .

God Bless our family (Mysore & Hyderabad)

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