Ugadi or Samvatsaradi (beginning of the year) is celebrated as a New Year in India, according to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. It falls in late March or early April of the Georgian calendar. This year Ugadi falls on Tuesday, 9 April 2024. It is believed that the universe was created by the supreme lord on this day and thus Hindus celebrate the day as New Year. The word Ugadi is derived from Sanskrit “Yuga” which means “Era” and “Adi” which means “Start”.
Tradition Customs and Rituals
A week before the festival people start preparing themselves for an auspicious day by cleaning their houses and decorating with colorful rangoli and flowers. They decorate the main door with neem leaves and mango leaves, and adding marigold flowers gives an aesthetic vibe making it colorful and natural.
The new year begins with cleansing the body with an oil bath, people wake up before sunrise and prepare themselves for the very first day of the year. Taking an oil bath signifies the cleansing of both body and soul. After the bath, they wear new clothes and begin fresh starts.
Everyone starts the year by worshipping the creator of the Universe, God. Offer special prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessing and mercy from the almighty. God gives strength to face the challenges in the upcoming year and bless their beloved child with the best and what they deserve.
Pachadi
People in South India prepare a kind of beverage, it is one of the most traditional dishes made during the festival. Pachadi contains 6 flavors corresponding to the various emotions of human beings.
- Tamarind, which is sour and signifies Unpleasantness
- Jaggery, it is sweet and signifies Happiness
- Raw mango, which is tangy and signifies Surprise
- The neem flower is bitter and signifies Sadness
- Black pepper, spicy and hot in taste signifies Anger
- Salt, salty taste which signifies Fear
To prepare this super easy and tasty beverage it takes 5 minutes
Method:
Take 1/3rd cup of water in a large bowl
Add 1/4th Jaggery powder to it
Now add chopped raw mangoes
Then add neem flowers
1/4th teaspoon of pepper powder and salt according to taste.
Ugadi Wishes
You can celebrate Ugadi with family virtually by sending them warm wishes. If for some reason you are away from your beloved family and friends, you can make them feel your presence by sending heartful wishes online. Here are some of the wishes for you to send to your dear ones.
- Wishing you a very Happy Ugadi, may this Year bring a lot of Happiness to you and your family. Wish you Prosperity and good Health.
- Happy Ugadi to my dear best friend, wishing you a stroke of good luck for the upcoming year and manifesting many years of Ugadi together.
- Happy Ugadi brother/sister, may Krishna ji bless you with his mercy and give you strength to fulfill your life with colors and shine like a star.
- Happiest Ugadi My Family, may this year come with good news, togetherness of loved ones, and good fortune.