Ugadi Festival Unity in Diversity
Ugadi is celebrated as New Year’s Day and festival commemorates the start of the Hindu New Year based on the Hindu calendar and the movement of the moon. India is a diversified country with various cultural differences, Ugadi is celebrated with a different name in various states. The people in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and others rejoice on this occasion. They prepare special dishes, offer prayers and participate in cultural and literary events on the Ugadi day.
Different names for Ugadi Festival
On festivals of India, diverse culture and rituals can be seen. Though Ugadi festival is known in different names in different states of India, the festival marks arrival of spring. Hindu Lunar calendar consists of 12 months similar to solar calendar. It helps to ascertain auspicious times and calculating the dates of festivals. Ugadi Festival is celebrated on the same day in different states in different names. Following are some important states and their festival names for Ugadi festival.
Ugadi– Ugadi is one of popular festivals in Karnataka & Andra Pradesh. They prepare a delicacy named “Ugadi Pachadi”, which is a mixture of neem flowers, jaggery, tamarind, banana, raw mango and spices. Apart from this a snack called “Obbatu” and Puran poli are prepared in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. On Ugadi Festival, Panchang shravan or listen to the benefits in the coming year is the part of festival celebration. This is also a moment for honouring authors and poet of state. Cultural and literary events are conducted to honour authors of literary works.
Gudi Padwa– It is the Marathi name for New Year. Gudhi which symbolizes the Brahma’s flag will be placed on right side of main entrance of the house. The people believe Gudhi is a symbol of victory and brings good luck into their house. The Padwa is derived from Sanskrit word which means first day of a lunar month. Every household celebrates their New Year by hanging a Gudi , which is a bright yellow or green coloured cloth adorned with brocade and is tied to the tip of a bamboo. This cloth is filled with sugar crystals, mango leaves, neem leaves and red flowers and is covered by a silver or copper pot. The gudi can be hung wither outside a house, on a terrace , window or any other mounted place from which it can be visible to all.
Cheti Chand– The Sindhi community celebrates Cheti Chand on the same day as Ugadi. This day is considered to be very auspicious and is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The New Year celebration has a religious significance with Jhulelal, the Patron Saint of the Sindhis. Followers of Jhulelal, for forty long days and nights they underwent rituals and vigil on the bank of Sindhu. After 40 days of Chaaliho, they celebrate the occasion with festivity as ‘Thanks Giving Day’. Even today, Sindhi community celebrates Cheti Chand as ‘Thanks Giving Day’ on the same day as Ugadi.
Bitter-Sweet on Ugadi day
Eating of a specific mixture Bevu-Bella or Ugadi Pachhadi mixture of Neem leaves or Neem Buds/Flowers, Jaggery and ripe banana, Unripened Mango symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences such as happiness, sadness, surprise etc. Bitterness of Neem represents Sadness where Jaggery and ripe banana signifying Happiness.
Apart from this a snack called “Obbatu” and Puran poli are prepared in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. House or apartments are decorated with colourful rangoli designs depicting the spring season by the usage of striking colours. In rural areas, courtyards in villages are smeared with fresh cow dung and colourful rangoli are drawn. On the day people wear new clothes and wishes relatives and friends with sweets and gifts.
It is a festival of positive thinking and beginning of new things in each and everyone’s life. You can consider playing games and distributing sweets or special dishes to your neighbours. Apartment owners association and Residents welfare association can conduct various cultural and social activities for the fun and entertainment of residents in apartment community. Wish you all a Happy & Prosperous Ugadi Festival.
