Andra Pradesh and Telangana have their own way of welcoming the new year. The celebration of the advent of a New Year starts with much grandeur and preparation. People mark this occasion in the form of the much-revered festival - Ugadi. The name Ugadi traces its origin from the Sanskrit words Yuga (age) and Adi (beginning) or, "the beginning of a new age". The people of Karnataka celebrate this festival as Yugadi. Being one of the major festivals of the region, it observes a lot of customs upheld.
Ugadi in India is a celebration that starts on the first day of Chaitra of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This falls around the months of March-April. Yet, the preparations start a week earlier. Drawing colorful patterns or designs on the floor is the highlight of this festival. These patterns, known as ‘Kolamulus’ or ‘Rangoli’ combined with door decorations, Torana completes the decorations. The Torana is made of mango leaves and it signifies the welcoming of the New Year.
It is believed that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. He started by creating months, weeks, and days to keep a track of time. This festival is the only festival that is dedicated to Lord Brahma as it is believed that Lord Brahma succumbed to Moh Maya. This led him to lust over Goddess Saraswati, who was considered to be his daughter. This way he has sinned and as punishment Lord Vishnu cut off one of his four heads and Lord Shiva cursed him that he would never be worshipped by the people. Hence, he has fewer temples dedicated to him and few festivals that worship him.
Again a legend says that one of the many forms of Vishnu is Yugadikrit who was the creator of Yugas or ages. He is destined to maintain the balance of the ages and the creations. Therefore the Kannada and Telugu people worship and seek blessing from Lord Vishnu. Ugadi is also believed to be the day when Lord Krishna left the world beginning the new age. This beginning of a new age has been described by Maharishi Vedavyasa as Yesmin Krishno Divamvyataha, Tasmat Eeva Pratipannam Kaliyugam. This marks the death of lord Krishan and the end of Dwapura Yuga which leads to the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
The decorations also have much significance to the occasion like the Rangoli’s and the mango leaves Tora welcome the New Year. There is also a special chutney made especially for this occasion which is called Ugadi Pachadi in the local language. They keep the chutney in front of the deities while performing the puja rituals. It is made up of all combinations of spices which includes all flavors like- sweet, salty, sour, and spicy too. You can experience all the flavors little by little in this chutney. After the puja is over everyone enjoys a hearty meal together sharing the chutney.
The rituals exert much significance in having meals together to flourish familial bonds. Another essential aspect of Ugadi is gifting which expresses love and care for each other. The advent of a new year marks the beginning of a new phase in the life of a person. It marks a time to leave behind the disappointments, failures, and the things left undone in the previous year and look forward to the new one with hope. To celebrate the new beginning gifts can be a good medium to express your love to your loved ones.
