CHANDRAMANA UGADHI

CHANDRAMANA UGADHI, the beginning of another New Year according to Hindu Lunar Calendar that usually falls in the months of March/April as per the Gregorian Calendar. This day marks the onset of Spring & is celebrated with fervor; also regarded as ‘Herald of Harvest Season’.

The name Ugadhi/Yugadi originates from the Sanskrit term; “Yugasya Aadhi” where 'Yuga' is Age & 'Adhi' the Beginning.

According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma, the Creator, started this work of creation on this day. Hence, Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day together with Lord Maha Vishnu who's the creator of ‘Yugas’, conferring Him the title ‘Yugaadhikrit’

Preparations begin much before the festivl with cleaning of homes & on the day of festival people wake-up early in the morning and take a head bath after massaging the body with sesame oil & get dressed up in traditional attires. All the family members worship Panchanga, the new Hindu Almanac which will be read after offering prayers to it. It is believed that special blessings are bestowed on those who listen to Panchanga Shravana, recital of prophecies in general for the year commenced. 

After the above ceremony is completed, a mixture of neem flowers & leaves together with new jaggery is to be consumed by reciting the designated mantra, thus, rationally preparing the mindset for both good & bad times ahead. 

A piquant dish that invokes the taste buds, ‘Ugadhi Pachadi’(festival curry) is to be prepared using jaggery (sweet) - symbol for Happines; tamarind (sour) - symbol for challenges; neem (bitter) - symbolizing the difficulties of life, raw mango (tangy) -symbolizing surprises & new challenges that crop-up in life; green chillies (spicy) - symbolizes anger, salt (salty) - symbolizes interesting things in life.These are termed as the '6 Tastes of Ayurveda’.

Wishing one & all a Prosperous New Year! 💐 Happy Ugadhi 😊

Sarvarigu SHUBHAKRUTH Naama Samvathsaradha Ugadhi Shubhashayagalu! 🙏🏻