Festival
Ugadi
ఉగాది
📅 March 19, 2026 (Thursday)
Ugadi marks the Telugu and Kannada New Year — a time of new beginnings, gratitude, and reflection. The word 'Ugadi' is derived from 'Yuga' (age) and 'Adi' (beginning), signifying the start of a new era.
Significance
Ugadi marks the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar year. It is believed that Lord Brahma began creation on this day. The festival falls on the first day of Chaitra month (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada). It is a celebration of time, nature's renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
Traditions & Practices
Panchangam Sravanam — Listening to the New Year's almanac predictions for the coming year
Bevu-Bella (Ugadi Pachadi) — A special dish made with six tastes representing the six emotions of life: sweet (jaggery), sour (tamarind), bitter (neem), salty, pungent (chilli), and astringent (raw mango)
Gudi Padwa — Raising the Gudi (decorated pole) outside homes in Maharashtra
Oil bath and new clothes at dawn
Decorating homes with mango leaf toranas and fresh rangoli
Special prayers and temple visits
Preparing festive meals and visiting family
Ugadi Subhakankshalu! (ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు!)
Wishing you and your family a blessed Ugadi!