Ugadi, a time for new beginnings and auspicious ventures, heralds the arrival of a brand new year. It is marked by special prayers and offerings at temples, where pujas and ceremonies are performed to celebrate the occasion. The reading of the yearly almanac for the year ahead, known as the 'Panchanga Shravana' is also another event, which is associated with Ugadi.

The festive spirit can be seen in households weeks ahead, traditional spring cleaning, and sprucing up of the surroundings are all part and parcel of the celebrations. This is particularly evident in villages and small towns, which still follow the rituals of old.

Ugadi stands for the beginning of spring and the end of the winter, thus the festival symbolises regeneration and the birth of a new life. There are a lot of differing beliefs behind the origins of Ugadi, which literally means beginning of a new era, yuga (era) and aadi (beginning). Some say on this day Bramha the creator began his mammoth task. It is proved by astronomic calculations also that the year begins on this auspicious day.

This day signifies letting go of past tribulations and looking ahead with renewed hope towards a bright future. To symbolize this transition a lot of rituals are followed. Buying new sets of clothes, items for the household, are all part of this same spirit. Over the ages a few customs have been handed down, 'Rangavalee', or 'Rangoli' is also one such art. It involves decorating courtyards, floors, and walls with intricate designs and patterns. This adds a splash of colour to the proceedings and brightens up homes on this day. It is also known as 'Alpana' or 'kolam' in some parts of India. Most of the motifs are based on beautiful images inspired by nature, like plants, flowers, animals, etc.

The doorways are decorated with strings of mango leaves, called 'Torans', to signify well being. Ugadi also calls for traditional mouthwatering delicacies like 'Holige', 'Chitranna', and 'Payasam'. The dishes are prepared using the crops of the season like mango, tamarind and sugarcane. Another specialty is 'Pachadi', made with the four tastes of sweet, salt, bitter and sourness, symbolic of the different flavours, which make life what it is.

Today Ugadi means a lot of shopping sprees and get togethers, a joyous occasion for one and all. So, go on and spread the cheer in your own unique way. Have a glorious year ahead today and everyday!

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