Ugadi Festival - Andhra pradesh

The Ugadi Festival indicates the beginning of New Year in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. It marks the end of winter as well as the arrival of the spring season and is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra, as per the Hindu calendar.

According to the Gregorian calendar, the Ugadi Festival falls between the months of March and April. As it is believed that Lord Brahma, the God of Creation created the universe on this auspicious day, the people of Andhra Pradesh celebrates the Ugadi Festival with great zest and gusto. People starts cleaning and decorating their houses almost a week before the Ugadi Festival.

The doorways are decorated with twigs of fresh mango leaves and vibrant flowers which signifies a good crop and general well-being. The people splash fresh cow dung water outside the front door and the courtyard to purify the environment and then they draws colourful Rangoli to embellish the place.

On the festive day, all the members of the family used to wake up very early, usually at the break of dawn and have an oil bath, mainly with sesame oil. They dress up in new clothes and visit a nearby temple or gather together to offer prayer to the Lord Almighty.

The most significant part of Ugadi Festival in Andhra Pradesh is reading out the PanchangaShravanam and making the predictions for the coming year by the priest at the temple. And many other rituals takes place at this time.

Apart from poojas and rituals, food also occupies a special part of Ugadi Festival.

“Ugadi Pachadi” is the special dish prepared during this festival, which is a blend of sweet, salty, bitter, tangy, sour, and spicy flavors. And it signifies various life experiences like joy, sorrow, anger, fear, disgust and surprise.

Dishes like "Bobbatlu" and "Pulihora" are also prepared during the Ugadi Festival in Andhra Pradesh.

People buy sweets and gifts to the near and dear ones and they also believe that it is the most auspicious occasion to start new ventures.

Location:

Throughout Andhra Pradesh.

Month of Celebration:

Ugadi Festival in Andhra Pradesh mainly falls between the months of March and April.