Happy Ugadi

Happy Ugadi / Udagi Shubhashayagalu!

Come March and Karnataka looks forward to celebrating its New Year. Called as "Ugadi" and falling on March 30th, it is also celebrated in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and as "Gudi Padva" in Maharashtra. Udagi ushers in the New Year for those who follow the Chandramana system. Ugadi comes from 2 words - Yuga and Aadi and literally means "New Age". This day, the new calendar starts for the people following the Chandramana system (Lunar calendar). It also denotes the formal beginning of Spring season a.k.a Vasantha Ruthu.

A very unique aspect, which is also practiced by Maharashtrians, is the Til-Gul. Sweets made out of Sesame seeds are distributed amongst friends and relatives and they are consumed with Jaggery. There is also a slight variation where people consume Neem and Jaggery. Personally, I have not come across these but I have surely participated in Til-Gul ceremonies. During the Tamil New Year, the Tamils do prepare a preparation using Neem Flowers, Raw Mangoes and Jaggery, called as the Manga Pachadi.

Happy Ugadi to you! May the good prevail over evil and may all your ills and problems be vanquished.