Ugadi (New Year of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka) - Meaning, History, Highlights, Rituals and Special dishes(Ugadi pachadi/Bevu Bella, etc)

        Ugadi is New Year for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka (Kannada) people's, according to their Hindu (Lunar) Calendar. In Lunar calendar they have 12 masamulu (months). First one is 'Chithra Masam'. First day of chithra masam is celebrated as Ugadi.  

The term “Ugadi” has its origin in the Sanskrit word “Yugadi”, that means ‘starting of a new Yuga or period’. This traditional festival is usually celebrated in the second half of March or in early April. People from all over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka celebrate this festival with much enthusiasm and gaiety.

History About Ugadi :

          The Lord Brahma started creation of the vast universe on the auspicious day of Ugadi or Chaitra suddha padhyami. Lord Brahma created the days, weeks, months and years in order to count time and then created all other elements present in the universe.

                  Ugadi is celebrated by decorating the temples with fresh flowers and fresh mango leaves. Among the flowers mainly the sweet smelling jasmine is used for the decorations. Most people also decorate their homes and puja rooms with flowers and mango leaves. There is an interesting history behind the practice of decorating with mango leaves. That is,

The Subramanya and Ganesha, the sons of Lord Shiva and Parvati loved eating mangoes. Kartik urged people to tie fresh leaves of mango tree to the doorway in order to indicate a good yields.

    People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colorful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household.

Highlights of Ugadi Festival:

Highlight of the Ugadi festival is  Panchanga Shravanam – hearing of the Panchanga. 

The Panchanga Shravanam is done at the temples by the priests. Before reading out the annual forecasts as predicted in the Panchanga, the officiating priest reminds the participants of the creator – Brahma, and the span of creation of the universe.

      The reading of the Panchanga then involves reading of other Tidhis (wealth and prosperity) during the year and ends with a forecast for various sectors of the social life and the strengths and effects of various constellations and their transitions.
       The scriptures state that the benefits reaped by the listener as well as the reader, are equivalent to having a dip in the holy river Ganges. The individuals hearing the Panchanga should respectfully ‘thank’ the reader and offer him new clothes and seek his blessings.

                  Another Highlight of Ugadi festival is, ‘Ugadi Pachadi/ Bevu Bella’.In Andhara Pradesh and Telangana people are called ‘Ugadi Pachadi’. In Karantaka, people are called ‘Bevu Bella’. But ingredients and making are same. they make ‘Ugadi Pachadi/Bevu Bella’ with ingredients of six different tastes. Those are Sweet, Sour, Salt, Pungent, Spice and Bitter. It significant that life is mixture of Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, fear and Surprise.

             'Ugadi Pachadi/Bevu Bella' is made with the following ingredients,

 

• Jagger
• Neem Flowers
• Raw mango's (Cut into small pieces)
• Salt
• Tamarind juice
• Red Chill Powder
• Coconut (Optional)

 Add above all ingredients into water and adjust the taste. Some people add some other ingredients like banana, cashews etc. But above six ingredients are must and should to be add in 'Ugadi Pachadi/Bevu Bella'.

During Ugadi festival, all members of the family taste this paste and try to remain conscious of the fact that everything in life is temporary.

 Rituals Followed On Ugadi

               People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the new year.   The ceremonial day starts early, with the elderly ladies of the family getting up at around 4.30 a.m. while chanting mantras. Several rituals are followed during the day to mark the celebration. like, 

Ø Abhyang (Taking of oil bath by all members of the family)

Ø New Dresses (Wearing of new clothes by all family members)

Ø Front door decoration (Decorating the front door with Rangoli and Mango leaves. Sometimes neem leaves are also used)

Ø Abhyang for Gods (Giving oil bath to the idols of Gods)

Ø Offering flowers (Offering flowers of neem, mango and tamarind to the Gods)

Ø Panchanga Pooja ( After worshipping God, Panchanga for the new Samvathsara or Year is worshipped)

Ø Gudi or Indra Dhwaja Pooja (Indra Dhwaja Pooja is done next)

Ø Offering Puja (Puja is offered following the steps of Abhisheka, Alankara, Naivedya and Mangalarathi)

Ø Ugadi Pachadi/Bevu Bella (Eating of Ugadi Pachadi/ Bevu Bella)

Ø Oota (Offering meals to God and then eating Oota or meals as Prasada)

Ø Visiting temples (Visiting temples and seeking blessings of the Almighty)

How People Celebrate Ugadi ! 

On Ugadi day, all the members in the family wake up in early morning start doing their Rituals. Usually elder ladies of the family start doing special dishes for the God.

       'Ugadi Pachadi/ Bevu Bella' is most important dish and made on the day of Ugadi and is offered to the God seeking blessings for the year ahead.

Some people make oil fry foods, which are 'Boorelu', 'Garelu' etc. They believe that, How 'Boorelu,Garelu etc' are become inflated and oil become over flowing, Similarly happiness should be inflating and over flow in their life's. Most of the people make 'Pongali/Payasum', Pulihora etc. Adding photo which contains dishes prepared  by my mother for God seeking blessings for the year ahead.

After taking blessings from the God, everyone  distributing the prasadam (Ugadi Pachadi, Garelu etc) and greet (Happy Ugadi) to people, who are living in home and neighbours as well. In the afternoon, most of the people have lunch as non vegetarian.