Ugadi  ( ఉగాది )

It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants(barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

 Ugadi falls on Chaitra Sudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. ‘Ugadi’ as the name ‘Vuga (Movement of the Star) -Adi(Starting)’ Mean it is the Starting of the Movement of the Star, The first Star of the Hindu Calendar.When we Saystar it is not the star we see on the sky but a group of stars. According to Hindu belief there are 27 groups of Stars like Aswani, Bharani, Kruthhika, Rohini etc. Every Group of star have a shape 4 Padas. That Makes a total of 27 x 4 - 108 Padas. These  Padas were divided into 12 Raasis Like Mesham, Midhunam etc. Out of the 27 Stars The Full moon day of Chaitra will make the First Month of telugu Calendar The beginning of Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

This day is known for its 'Ugadi Pacchadi' preparation comprising of six tastes (shadruchi sammelan), each standing for a special character a man experiences in life. The ingredients of this preparation, though of different tastes or characters when mixed in definite proportions result in a delicious dish. The underlying idea conveys that the six faces of life mentioned underneath, should be handled by man and balanced in such a way as to make his life a beautiful one on earth.

The celebration of Ugadi is marked by religious zeal and social merriment. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. Eatables such as "pulihora, bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion.

Some find a different way of celebrating the festival. Kavi Sammelanam (poetry recitation) is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature. Ugadi is also a time when people look forward to a literary feast in the form of Kavi Sammelanam. Many poets come up with new poems written on subjects ranging - from Ugadi - to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.

Ugadi Kavi Sammelanam is also a launch pad for new and budding poets. It is generally carried live on All India Radio and the Doordarshan, (Televison) Hyderabad following "panchanga sravanam" (New year calendar) narrating the way the new year would shape up in the lives of people and the State in general. Kavis (poets) of many hues - political, comic, satirical reformist, literary and melancholic - make an appearance on the Ugadi stage.Official Panchanga Sravanam fare will be in Hyderabad the State Capital and will belive telecasted in Doordarhan.

Ugadi Pachadi (ఉగాది పచ్చడి)

It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi.

Ugadi pachchadi is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tamarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!