Ugadi

Ugadi or Yugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar. This festival is mainly celebrated by the people of Telugu and Kannada communities, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in India. Ugadi begins on the first new moon after the Spring Equinox and is celebrated the next morning as an Indian day starts from sunrise. The date usually falls in late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is known as Gudi Padwa or Gudi Padava in other parts of India. The name Ugadi or Yugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words Yuga (age) and adi (starting), meaning ‘the beginning of a new age’. According to folklore, Lord Brahma created the universe on Ugadi. The nine-day spring festival of Vasanta Navratri or Chaitra Navratri begins on this day and concludes on Ram Navami (festival that celebrates the birthday of God Rama). The preparations for Ugadi is similar to the preparations for spring festival. On the day of Ugadi, it is a practice to rise before dawn for an Abhyanga - a head bath and massage with sesame oil. They decorate their homes with fresh mango leaves, splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colourful floral designs. They also perform prayers - for health, wealth and success in business. Ugadi heralds the arrival of spring and warmer weather, thus it is a joyous festival.