Ugadi Festival Karnataka

UGADI

Date of Ugadi celebration: March-April

Place of celebration: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Widely and popularly celebrated in Karantaka and Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi heralds the beginning of their New Year. In Telegu, the word 'Ugadi' means 'Start of a new era'.

It marks the beginning of the calendar year for Telegu and Kannada people, which is based on the Salivahana era. This day falls on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. The day started with ritual showers followed by prayers. They prepare a traditional "Ugadi Pachhadi' or 'Beva Bella' mixture consisting of neem buds/jaggery, raw mango and tamarind juice. This symbolize that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together.

On this day, there is an informal elderly and scholarly social circle, gather together for 'Panchangaravanam'. They read and listen to the religious almanac 'Panchangam' of the coming year and the general predictions. literary discussions and recognition of various authors of literary works through awards and cultural programs marks the Ugadi celebrations. On this day, recitals of classical Carnatic music and dance are held in the evenings. Ugadi is a season of pickles. With raw mangoes available in plenty, women make good use of mangoes to last them until the next season. They make mangoe pickle using few wonderful spices which acts like taste enhancer and works like natural preservative it includes salt, mustard powder and powder of dry red chilli and a lot of oil to float over the top.

Special dishes like 'pulihora' and 'bobbatlu' are relished. The People of Karnataka make similar preparations called 'Puliogure' and 'holige'. Budding and professional poets at the 'Kavi Sammelanam' recite melodic couplets. They look forward to recite their poetic verses on different subjects ranging - from Ugadi - to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.