Wish Everyone a Happy Ugadi

Image courtesy: Arvind Balaraman

Ugadi,the beginning of a yuga or a year is observed as New Year in the Deccan in accordance with  the Saka (Indian) calendar. It is celebrated with traditional warmth and fervor in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. The Sindhi community celebrates it as Chaiti Chand and the Marathi’s celebrate this day as a festival called Gudi Padwa.


Living in Bangalore for some years now, I have come to look forward to witnessing the festivities on this day. More so for the “Mega Sales” that are offered by all shopping malls and arcades. You can have super fun and get some fantastic shopping done  during this time of the year. However, it is interesting to know that traditional Kannada folks observe customary rituals and start their day early with an oil bath amid chanting of prayers and hymns. Listening to the recitation of the Panchangam or the almanac is a must as good tidings for the coming year are announced in it. People also watch the recitation and general benediction of holy men on the television in programs like “Panchanga Shravanam”.

Women prepare special dishes, particularly the holige (paratha stuffed with ground coconut,jaggery and dal), beyu ( a refreshing drink made from gram flour, jaggery, tamarind paste, fresh fruits and neem flowers) and other delicacies and the families get together to have a ceremonious meal and to have fun. There are Carnatic musical renditions and recitals in various cultural programs around the towns and people generally share a spirit of bonhomie and the carnival like environment is really nice to behold. Women drape beautiful silk and brocade saris and wear heavily scented flowers in their hair. The temple bells are kept busy all day as they peal with every devotee’s sincere prayers for a wonderful year ahead. The morning air is cool and fresh and the only warmth you can experience is that emanating from the hearts of all the people who welcome in their midst persons from all parts of the country who come and then become part of this wonderful place.

So to all those who celebrate this occasion here’s wishing you all a very happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year- Yugadi Shubhashayagalu!