Ugadi can be explained as ‘yuga ‘ is the word for ‘era’ – ‘adi’ stands for ‘the beginning’ in Sanskrit. Hence the festival of Ugadi, stating the beginning of a new age, is the New Year day for the people of Deccan region of India. Ugadi signifies the beginning of a New Year for the people of Andhra and Telangana. Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon`s orbit. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures. On this day people pary to God, for their health, wealth and prosperity and success. Ugadi the New Year day is celebrated with great fanfare, gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast.
Ugadi symbolizes eating of a dish with six tastes (Ugadi Pachadi). Ugadi Pachadi is one of the most important dishes that are prepared on the day of Ugadi. Ugadi Pachadi symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise) which should be accepted together with equanimity through the New Year. Ugadi Pachadi varies in different regions. Ugadi Pachadi symbolizes the following …
Neem buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness.
Jaggery and Ripe banana pieces for sweetness, signifies Happiness.
Red chili powder/green chilies/pepper for its hot taste, signifies Anger.
Salt for its saltiness, signifies Fear.
Tamarind juice for its sourness, signifies Disgust.
Unripened Mango for its Tang taste, signifies Surprise.
Some of the Ugadi recipes are as follows:
MAMIDIKAYA PULIHORA/RAW MANGO RICE
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS UGADI
