Ugadi / Gudi Padwa
उगादी / गुड़ी पड़वा
The Hindu New Year for Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi communities, falling on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Families prepare a special dish mixing six tastes symbolizing the varied experiences of the coming year.
Why We Celebrate
Ugadi (in Telugu and Kannada) and Gudi Padwa (in Marathi) mark the Hindu New Year, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright half of the Chaitra month). The word "Ugadi" comes from "Yuga Adi" meaning "beginning of a new age." It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe. In Maharashtra, a Gudi (a decorated flag-like structure) is raised outside homes to symbolize victory and prosperity.
The highlight of Ugadi is the preparation of "Ugadi Pachadi" (in Telugu regions) or "Bevu-Bella" (in Karnataka) — a special dish made from six tastes: sweet (jaggery), sour (tamarind), salty, bitter (neem flowers), spicy (chili), and astringent (raw mango). These six tastes represent the varied experiences of life — joy, sorrow, surprise, disgust, fear, and anger — reminding us to accept all experiences with equanimity.
Ugadi is a time for fresh beginnings, setting intentions, and welcoming the new year with hope. Families clean their homes, wear new clothes, visit temples, and listen to the Panchanga Shravanam (reading of the new year's astrological predictions). It is a celebration of time, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
Did You Know?
- ✦The Gudi raised on Gudi Padwa is made of a bamboo stick with a copper or silver pot, neem leaves, and a red or yellow cloth — it symbolizes the victory of Shalivahana over enemies and is also associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya.
- ✦Ugadi Pachadi, with its six tastes, is eaten first thing in the morning to remind us that life brings all kinds of experiences, and we must accept them all with grace.
- ✦In many South Indian families, Ugadi is the day when the new Panchanga (Hindu almanac) is read aloud, revealing the predictions and auspicious times for the coming year.
Related Festivals
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