Ugadi Festival- The Beginning Of New Year In The Deccan

BENGALURU: New Year has its own meaning to everyone. For some people, it can be the commencement of 1st January, whereas for others, a new way to lead their life- a new resolution. Similarly, in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Karnataka, New Year marks its beginning with the pious festival of ‘Ugadi’.
Derived from Sanskrit words ‘yuga’ (age) and ‘adi’ (beginning): ‘the beginning of a new age’, Ugadi commences in the month of Chaitra Masa on a bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha). Chaitra Masa is the first month of Hindu calendar. The celebration of Ugadi in spring symbolizes the beginning of new life, new plants with shoots and leaves.
The festival of Ugadi is celebrated in the name of Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Thapna in Rajathan and Chetni Chand among Sindhis, welcoming New Year. Preparations for Ugadi celebration start almost a week prior to the day. It is celebrated with great hue and colors. Houses are washed as an attempt to evade evils for a pure beginning of the year. As per the custom, mango leaves and coconuts are necessary ingredients in all Ugadi rituals.  The day begins with an oil bath and prayers thereafter. And not to mention, shopping, decorations and feast are definite aspects of this celebration.

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