Ugadi

Ugadi is the first day of lunisolar based Hindu calendar. Most Hindu calendars are based on an ancient treatise popularly known as Surya Siddhanta . As per Hindu beliefs, the treatise of Surya Siddhanta was revealed to mankind by the Lord Surya himself. Hence the origin of Ugadi might be impossible to date. As per Vedic astrology the day of Ugadi is very significant. The day of Ugadi falls under Sadhe Teen Muhurat. In Vedic Astrology, Ugadi, Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami and half of Bali Pratipada create Sadhe Teen Muhurta and these days need no Muhurta. It is believed that all work conducted on these days give positive results. Ugadi is also very significant for shopping and people do lots of shopping on the day of Ugadi.

Some of the important Ugadi rituals - taking oil bath i.e. Abhyang Snan hosting flag in home eating tender leaves of Neem Panchanga Sravanam beginning of Chaitra Navratri

There is no specific deity of Ugadi. However, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of Panchangam of the New Year which includes the general forecast of the year to come. The ritual of listening Panchanga is known as Panchanga Sravanam . Panchanga Sravanam is an informal social function in which an elderly and respected person will read Panchanga which includes yearly forecast of people based on their Janmarashi i.e. moonsigns.

Ugadi Pachadi Ugadi Pachchadi is very famous dish which has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of jaggery, raw mango pieces, neem flowers and tamarind. Ugadi Pachadi is known as Bevu Bella in neighboring state of Karnataka.