Ugadi, also known as Tamil New Year, is most commonly known and celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. In Karnataka, it is also known as Yugadi. Tamil New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. Telugu New Year occurs in late March or early April of the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Ugadi is going to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 9.
Telugu New Year and Ugadi are both names for the same auspicious day that marks the beginning of the new year in the Telugu calendar. The term “Ugadi” itself is derived from the Sanskrit words “yuga,” meaning age, and “Adi,” meaning beginning, and signifies the start of a new era. It is a belief that Lord Brahma created the universe on that day.
-
Preparations of Ugadi:
Smile India Trust helps poor people in the preparation of Ugadi. People start cleaning and decorating their Homes a week or more before. Houses were thoroughly cleaned and attractive, and colourful rangoli designs adorned them. Also, their Doorways are decorated with fresh mango leaves (Toranalu). These are considered auspicious and are believed to please Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha, who are fond of mangoes, ensuring a good yield and general well-being. And they decorate their home entrance with Colorful patterns (Rangoli in Telugu, Muggulu in Kannada). In some traditions, these are made using rice flour instead of colors. And some people buy new clothes for themselves and their families. It is considered auspicious and a symbol of prosperity for purchasing new items, including gold.
-
Rituals on Ugadi Day:
Smile India Trust also helps people in the rituals of Ugadi. When the day begins, before sunrise, we provide them a traditional oil bath, often using sesame oil. And the belief is to cleanse the body and purify the soul. Then, the Families offer prayers at home and seek blessings for a prosperous new year. Special prayers and pujas were performed by them. There is an important ritual where a priest or an elder reads the “Panchangam” (Hindu almanac) for the coming year. This includes predictions about fortunes, rainfall, eclipses, and general affairs. This is the most significant dish of the festival. It’s a unique chutney that combines six different tastes and some special dishes:
- Sweet (Jaggery): Represents happiness.
- Bitter (Neem flowers): Represents the difficulties in life.
- Sour (Tamarind): Represents challenges.
- Salty (Salt): Represents interest in life.
- Spicy (Green chili): Represents anger or upsetting moments.
- Tangy/Astringent (Raw mango): Represents surprises. The Ugadi Pachadi symbolizes that life is a mixture of all emotions, and one should accept them with equanimity.
- Pulihora (tamarind rice)
- Bobbatlu/Bhakshalu/Polelu/Oligale (sweet flatbread stuffed with lentils and jaggery)
- New Year Burelu
- Payasam (kheer)
- Vada and Idli-Sambar
- A paste made of neem buds, jaggery, raw mango, and tamarind juice, similar in significance to the Ugadi Pachadi.
-
Significance:
There is a New Beginnings on Ugadi, which marks the start of a new lunar year and is seen as a time for fresh starts, hope, and new aspirations. And for the seasonal Transition, it also heralds the arrival of spring, a time of renewal and growth in nature. According to Hindu mythology: Mythological Importance, it was believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. In agricultural communities, Ugadi marks the beginning of the new agricultural season, with farmers preparing their fields for new crops.
Smile India Trust is organizing joy and support to underprivileged individuals, particularly children and elderly women. Their activities around the Telugu New Year involve:
- Celebration with Children:
Organizing festive gatherings with music, dance, and interactive activities and creating joyful experiences and fostering a sense of hope.
- Celebrating with elderly women:
Providing essential items like clothes and toiletries and fostering intergenerational connections.
-
Celebrations and Social Aspects:
Ugadi is a time for people to come together, share meals, and celebrate. So, Smile India Trust helps poor people and children to come together and celebrate with each other, and we distribute gifts and clothes to everyone available during the program. And teach them about the festival and make them play some games and provide them, different facilities.
And help them make their new start.
Conclusion
Ugadi is simply the popular name for New Year’s Day, celebrated by Telugu-speaking people. It’s similar to how the same festival might have different regional names in other parts of India. And Smile India Trust made a program for the poor people so they also can know what Ugadi means and why people celebrate Ugadi. Smile India Trust aims to bring cheer and provide support to the vulnerable population during festive items.
For any guidance or support, you can write to us at [email protected]. Visit our website to understand our work in detail. Click on https://smileindiatrust.org/ to learn more about us. Follow us on various social media platforms. We are available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
