Ugadi - Welcome for Spring Season

Ugadi:

'Ugadhi' represents the beginning of the New (Adhi) Era (Yuga) or beginning of the new astronomical cycle especially for south Indian people. The festival is celebrated on Shukla Paksha of 'Chaitra Masam' which is the first season spring (Vasanta ruthuvu) that signifies new life. The time is considered to be the most auspicious time to start new ventures. Special Prayers are part of this festival for health, wealth and prosperity.

Cultural Beliefs:

• People believe Lord Brahma started creation of all things on earth.
• Lord Subramanya and Ganesh like mangoes so people Tie mango leaves as Toranam at the entrance of house to signify them that acts as a symbol to earn good crop and well-being.
• According to Hindus the life cycle, we have four yugas. We have already completed three yugas namely Satya, treat, Dwapara and now we are in the Kali Yuga. As told by Sage Vedavyasa , the Kaliyuga (4,32,000 years) has started when Lord Krishna has left this world. So the marking of kaliyuga day is observed remembrance for Ugadi.

Ugadi Festival Procedure:

• People wake up in the early hours of morning to clean the house and take oil bath with sesame oil and wear new clothes. 
• People will decorate the entrance of the house with jasmine garlands, mango leaves and draw Rangoli. 
• Ugadhi Pachadi a special traditional chutney known as Ugadi Pachadi has to be prepared, Almanac (Panchangam) will be kept before the deity in the prayer room.
• After general Puja people have to take Ugadhi Pachadi as prasadam with empty stomach and listen panchaga sravanam. 
• Other special  traditional recipes like Pulihora(Tamarind or lemon or Mango), Vada Or Garelu,Bobbatlu, Mudda Pappu, Gutti Vankaya Kura(Stuffed Bringal),A ratikaya Bajji(Raw Plantain Fritters), Talimpu Senagalu(Seasoned Black Chickpeas), Payasam, Rasam(soup) will be prepared.

Importance of Ugadi Chutney:

Ugadhi Pachadi represents the six tastes of life.

1. Neem flowers- represent sadness for its bitter taste.
2. Jaggery or ripe banana- represents happiness for sweetness.
3. Green chili- represents anger for its hot taste
4. Salt- represents fear for its saltiness.
5. Tamarind- represents disgust for its sourness.
6. Green mango - represent surprise for its astringent or sharp taste. 

• This festival begins new joy and happiness marks the beginning of new life. Consuming this chutney represents our life with many experiences like happiness, anger, surprises, sadness, fear and disgust that has to be accepted through the year.
• Panchanga sravanam which forecasts the thiti, vara, masam and nakshatra, good and bad for all zodiac signs throughout that year.
• Poetry recitation (Kavi Sammelanam) social activities will be conducted for poets to come up with new poetry and literature.         

Important Facts:

• Among the months chaitram is the first month, in stars Ashwini is the first and thiti Padyami comes first, so ugadi is the first festival which comes on these aspects.
• It is better to eat Ugadhi Pachadi upto sri rama navami to get better health from climatic changes
• Need to pray to Lord chandra at evening because Ugadhi is a festival based on the Moon movement

Scientific Reasons:

• On the movement of moon and earth the lunar year is formed and it varies from the solar year i.e. 24 hours in a day and 365 days of a year. So the lunar New Year keeps changing.
• This is an important climatic change in weather as it is the beginning of spring season. Nature will take growth as many plants start the new life with leaves and flowers spreading healing elements. The fragrance of jasmine in the atmosphere touches the senses and mind.
• Aroma from mango and neem tree mixes with air makes people fresh and healthy. Jaggery made with fresh crop of Sugar cane will add additional flavor to festival.

 The Ugadi Chutney has many health benefits:

1. Neem flowers fights against skin allergies and kill Bacteria and germs.
2. Jaggery effectively cleans different body parts and prevents anemia.
3. Green Chilli improves immune system and maintains skin health, eye vision.
4. Tamarind aids better digestion process.
5. Green mango improves the blood circulation.
6. Salt balances the sugar levels in the blood and prevents dehydration.