UGADI - BEGINNING of NEW AGE

Ugadi or Yugadi is a term that is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga meaning age and ādi meaning the beginning. So, it means “the beginning of a new age”.

Spiritual Significance of Ugadi:

According to the Hindu belief, Lord Brahma, the creator started creating the earth on this auspicious day.Yugaadi is one among the several names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is addressed as Yugaadikrit, the one who is the creator of Yugas. So this day is the most auspicious day to worship the Para Brahma, who is creator of the Time element.

Ugadi Historical Significance:

According to the astrological calculations, it is considered that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryaana was commenced in the early hours of bright fortnight of Chaitra that corresponds to 18.02.3102 BC and this day also marks the beginning of the Kaliyug. So Ugadi is also believed to be the onset of Kaliyuga. Even the great Mathematician Bhaskaracharya professed that Ugadi historical significance as the commencement of the New Year and month.

Ugadi: The Festival

Ugadi is celebrated with much vigour in various states of India as a festival of prosperity. Along with the onset of a year, the Ugadi festival importanceis felt amongst the mass.It celebrates the vibrancy of nature as well as life.

The colourful blossoms symbolises growth and thus Jasmine, which blooms during this time of the year is offered to Gods in the form of garlands. There are many customs of the festival which are an integral part of Ugadi significance and symbolism. One such custom is that making UgadiPachadi.

This festival, Ugadi also welcomes the season of Spring. We see the symbols and colors of Spring in nature. Ugadi celebration forges with great enthusiasm and this boosts people to accept newness of life.

The significance of UgadiPachadi is immense as it symbolises the essence of life.This special dish is prepared with ingredients like:

• Jaggery (sweet): symbolising happiness

• Salt (salty) : showing interest in life

• Tamarind (sour) : symbolising challenges

• Neem flowers (bitter) : shows difficulties of life

• Raw mango (tangy): indicating surprises and new challenges

• Chilli powder (spicy): showing the angry moments in one’s life.

This Ugadi chutney / UgadiPachadi is important also for these facts:

• jaggery eliminates the chances of anemia;

• salt helps in keeping the body hydrated;

• tamarind helps in a great digestion;

• neem flowers prevent skin allergies and kill germs and bacteria;

• green mango improves blood circulation.

• chili powder improves the immune system and renders a better eyesight;

The dish is significant as it has all the tastes of life. It teaches that life is a mixture of all the emotions.Each and every ritual followed on this day, has its own significance. Hanging of mango leaves and placing a kalash near the door or the calling of the priest to make the yearly forecast are all part of Ugadi significance and symbolism.