Festivals of India – Ugadi Hindu New Year
Ugadi literally means a new era or the beginning of a new astronomical cycle. It falls in spring season every year (March – April), on a different date each year. This festival is one of the important Hindu festivals of India. The mythological aspect behind the celebration of this festival is that Lord Brahma, who is also the creator of the Hindu Pantheon initiated the process of creation and created the earth along with the days, nights, weeks, seasons, years, and others to keep a track of time. Apparently, it is celebrated in a different name all over the country. Indulge yourself in the celebration of splendour and glory and enjoy it to the hilt.
Preparations for Ugadi Festival
Generally, preparations for this festival begin two days before. Chores like cleaning and washing of all the attires, dwellings and other commodities is considered auspicious. Other rituals during this festival include purchasing new clothes, having an oil bath, home decoration with mango leaves, drawing Rangoli and partaking prayers. The food specialties of this festival is Bevu Bella which is a unique dish in an array of tastes. The varied tastes depict the kinds of experiences throughout the life one has to learn about. The end of the festive day is followed by a religious gathering in the temple. Other activities hosted are poetic recitals, honouring the authors, literary discussions, concerts of Carnatic music and other forms of traditional dances.
How to celebrate Ugadi festival in your apartment
Ugadi festival, marks the first day of the New Year in the Indian calendar. This year Ugadi falls on March 2st, in 2015. There are various public associations who host Ugadi programs. Well, if you’re pondering about how to celebrate your Ugadi with pomp and show in your apartment, here are a few tips.
Home decoration: Apart from the string of mango leaves at one’s entrance, you can also decorate your home with flower patterns on the floor. Creating flower patterns on your floor will give your guests a warm and festive feeling. Scented, colourful candles can also be placed in the corners of your house. Home décor candles are widely used in apartments at the time of decoration.
Socialize: The busy life of every individual gives him/her limited time to interact with his/her neighbours. The festive phase is an apt time to get out and socialize with your neighbours and explore the surroundings. In fact, this will also make people aware of the significance of the festival and the mythological story behind it. You can approach your neighbours and plan for activities to be conducted in your apartment.
Host activities: Activities like games and cultural programs can be held in order to add charm to your festival. All residents should be permitted to take part in the activities as this would give them a sense of unity. There should be no restriction on the participant’s age, gender, income status, religion etc. This would also act as an ice breaking moment for everyone.
Rangoli: This art work is an important and part of the festive celebration. Invite all the women folk residing in the apartment to display their Rangoli artwork in a selected place. You can also conduct a Rangoli competition as a part of the Ugadi celebration in your apartment. This would encourage people’s talent as well as create a possibility of winning a prize as an appreciation.
Competitions: Various competitions can also be held for residents ranging from those for children to those for aged people. Children and adults can take part in activities like artwork related to the festival, story writing or narration of stories related to the festival; host a play with the mythological characters, fancy dress with the ancient deity’s theme and so on.
Worship: As this day signifies an important event, organize bhajans or religious ceremonies followed by the serving of delectable savouries. One can also gather for watching TV broadcasts of the predictions known as the “d”.
Gifts for this occasion: If you’re planning to gift your loved ones with exotic Ugadi gifts, here are some that you can gift them. Gift vouchers containing cakes, sweets, chocolates, sarees, jewellery and a bunch of flowers are perfect for this occasion.
