UGADI (TELUGU NEW YEAR'S DAY)
Marks : The Beginning Of The New Year
Religion : Hindu
Falls On : March-April
Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people
of Andhra Pradesh and also for the Telugu
people all over the world. Those who live north of the Vindhya hills
observe it as "Barhaspatyamana". People living to the south of
the Vindhya hills observe it as "Sauramana" or "Chandramana".
A Unique Ritual
There
is a peculiarity about the practices of the various sects of Brahmins; one
who is not conversant with them finds it difficult to understand their
meaning. Even though they are all Brahmins certain differences in their
lineage may be traced among them. These become manifest in their
distinctive calendars where the dates and months vary. Some have
calculations according to the solar system, and others according to the
lunar system; with the result that despite all being Brahmins the New Year
differs among different sects. Thus there is a Telugu New Year's Day, a
Tamil New Year's Day, and a New Year's distinct from these in the almanac
of North India.
According to Chandramana, Ugadi is celebrated on the bright fortnight
('Shukla Paksha') of the first month ('Chaitra Masa') in the first season
of the year i.e. Spring ('Vasanta-Ritu'). As all these important elements
are present, this day has special significance marking the commencement of
a New Year.
Significance
It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started
creation on this day - "Chaitra Suddha Padhyami" or the Ugadi
day. Also the calculations of the great Indian Mathematician
Bhaskaracharya proclaim the Ugadi day as the beginning of the New Year,
New month and New day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new
life with plants acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. The vibrancy of
life and verdant fields, meadows full of colourful blossoms signify
growth, prosperity and well-being.
With the coming of Ugadi, the naturally perfumed Jasmine's spread a sweet
fragrance, which is perhaps unmatched by any other in nature's own
creation. While large garlands of Jasmine are offered to Gods in homes and
temples, Jasmine flowers woven in clusters adorn the braids of women.
Predictions Of The Year
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in
the moon's orbit. On this day, people chant mantras and the pundits make
predictions for the coming year. Traditionally, the "Panchangasravanam"
or listening to the yearly calendar was done at the temples or at the Town
square but with the onset of modern technology, one can get to hear the
priest-scholar on television sets right in one's living room.
Preparing For The Occasion
Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a
thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go
with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.
Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervour in the states of
Maharashtra
, Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in Andhara and Karnataka, in
Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava".
On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head
bath after, which they decorate, the entrance of their houses with fresh
mango leaves. The green mango leaves tied to the doorway signify a good
crop and general well being. It is noteworthy that one uses mango leaves
and coconuts (as in a 'Kalasam', to initiate any puja) only on auspicious
occasions to propitiate gods.
People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their
house and draw colourful floral designs. This is a common sight in every
household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his
blessings before they start off with the New Year. They pray for their
health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also
the most auspicious time to start new ventures.
Special Delicacies
It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the
fully blossomed Neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made
with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavour to the typical dishes
associated with Ugadi.
"Ugadi Pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous
with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces, Neem flowers and
new tamarind. The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate
that life is a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow and all of them
have to be treated alike.
All experiences have to be treated with equanimity. Every one should make
a resolve that he will face calmly whatever happens in this year,
accepting it with good grace and welcoming everything. Consider everything
as for one's own good. Men should rise above sorrow and happiness, success
and failure. This is the primary message of the Ugadi festival.
In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "Pulihora",
"Bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the
occasion. In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "Puliogure"
and "Holige". The Maharashtrians make "Puran Poli" or
sweet 'Rotis'.
Kavi Sammelanam
Kavi
Sammelanam or poetry recitation is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature. Ugadi
is also a time when people look forward to a literary feast in the form of
Kavi Sammelanam. Many poets come up with new poems written on subjects
ranging from Ugadi to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.
Ugadi Kavi Sammelanam is also a launch pad for new and budding poets. It
is generally carried live on All India Radio,
Hyderabad and the
Doordarshan - Hyderabad, following "Panchangasravanam" (New year
calendar) narrating the way the New Year would shape up in the lives of
people and the state in general. 'Kavis' or poets of many hues -
political, comic, satirical reformist, literary and melancholic make an
appearance on the Ugadi stage.
Ugadi is thus a festival of many shades. It ushers in the New Year,
brings a rich bounce of flora and fills the hearts of people with joy and
contentment.
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
New Delhi - 110 049 (INDIA)
Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
Email : info@indiainfoweb.com
Home | Attractions | Destinations | Hotels | Tour Packages | Travel Agents | Help DeskDisclaimer | Privacy Policy | Old Site | Feedback / Contact Us
Copyright © 2007 India Infoweb. All Rights Reserved.