Happy Ugadi
Chandu B
Ugadi or Yugadi is the festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh on Chaitra Suddha Padyami. Gregorian calendar starts with the month of January while the Hindu New Year starts with the month of Chaitra on the first day of which is Ugadi celebrated. Ugadi is also celebrated in few other Indian states. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka people follow lunar calendar and so celebrate the New Year when moon enters Chaitra Shukla Padyami at sunrise. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is referred as Ugadi and Maharastrains call this as Gudi Pawda.
Meaning of Ugadi
Sanskrit name of Ugadi is Yugadi. Yuga means era and Adi means beginning. Ugadi means starting of new era. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma started his creation of universe on Chaitra Suddha Padyami day when the New Year, new season, new month and new day begins.
Ugadi in 2011
Ugadi day does not come on the same date every year, as the moon does not enter the Padyami tithi on the same date. In 2011, Khara naama samvatsara Ugadi falls on 4thApril.
Significance and spirit of Ugadi
Ugadi is celebrated to leave behind past and begin newphase of life with positive expectations. Hindus follow the customs and traditions of festivals very keenly. Ugadi is one of the most important festivals for them.
Nature is also at its best when Ugadi is celebrated. Ugadi also signifies beginning of spring season. Trees which were barren till now have new leaves indicating the end of unpleasant moments and beginning of new phase in life. Fragrance of jasmine, sweet songs of cuckoo and the delicious mangoes mark the beginning of new era or Ugadi.
Regards,
Chandu.