In lunar religious and Indian national calendar, which is, also known as ‘Shak’ the month of Chaitra is the beginning of New Year. This is the period when mango leaves adorn the houses. The weather is beautiful and full of romance in the air. Flowers blossom all around.

I live in the state of Karnataka for the time being where they celebrate Ugadi or Yugadi on the first day of New Year. This day, celebrated, all over our country with different ways and different names but the basic feelings are the same. This festival is celebrated allover India with different names. For instance, in Maharashtra this is, known as Gudi Padwa and Sindhi community call it Cheti Chand. In Orissa, they celebrate the festival, which is very famous on the hills of Tara Tarini shrine for the whole month of Chaitra that begins on 23March this year.

Ugadi is, celebrated all across the state on the first day of New Year with lots of fun and cheerful ways. A ritual that is central to the festival is the preparation of a combination of Neem leaves and jaggery. It symbolizes Yugadi name has been, derived from Yuga and Aadi that stands for beginning of a new age. This is, also believed that Lord Brahma started the creation of the universe on this particular day. Most importantly, the famous Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya’s calculations are also the clear indications that the Ugadi day was the beginning of the new day, new month and New Year.

This is spring and this also marks the beginning of a new life to plants and trees, which were so sad and had no leaves buds or flowers until now. Incidentally, this is, considered the first season of the year therefore this day, the first of the month becomes more meaningful. Ugadi is an auspicious day that marks the beginning of new ventures. People go out and shop for new dresses, new appliances and new home gadgets; they wait for months together for this day to do their shopping.

Ugadi is also, considered as an auspicious time to venture in to new projects. Literary and cultural programs are, held on this day, also recognition of poets, artists and authors through awarding them with respect and honor is, done on this day. In Andhra Pradesh, the cultural programs consisting of poems recitals are, held on this day.

The day starts with cleaning houses and decorating with different Rangoli ways and using mango leaves, a prayer for wishing well to all loved ones and a prosperous New Year for whole of the year. This is followed by traditional dishes especially the rice preparation with raw mango pieces. People go visit different temples and offer their prayers to Lord. The Elders of the family recite the Panchang Shravana and predict the future of the year for younger members of the family.

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Overall, the festival is, celebrated with lots of celebrations, traditional systems and hope for a wonderful New Year for self and family members. Younger generation visits and makes outings to different places and enjoys the festival in their own ways.