Ugadi (Telugu New Year)
Ugadi or Yugadi is a Hindu festival to celebrate the beginning of a new year as per the Hindu Luni-solar calendar on the first day of Chaitra month, which usually falls in March or April. It is celebrated in various parts of India, especially in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This year Ugadi is celebrated on April 9th 2024.
Why is Ugadi Celebrated ?
Ugadi originated from the Sanskrit word "Yugadi" which means "the beginning of a new age”. This auspicious day heralds the arrival of happiness, joy, hope and light. The chilly days fade into memory and warm, pleasant spring weather arrives giving rise to optimism for a prosperous future.
How is Ugadi Celebrated?
People celebrate Ugadi with undying spirit and enthusiasm by waking up early and taking a traditional oil bath, adorning themselves with new clothes and decorating their houses with mango leaves and rangoli designs. The day is also marked by the preparation of a special dish called Ugadi pachadi with tamarind paste, neem flowers, brown sugar, salt and sometimes mango. This dish comprises six tastes - sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy and spicy, symbolising the various experiences of life and teaching us to accept them with equanimity. People also make the sweet Boorelu a deep fried sweet made with soaked channa Dhal and Jaggery filling sheera a Sweet made out of Semolina, sugar, ghee and milk and Payasam to celebrate the Ugadi.
Many religious rituals and ceremonies are carried out on Ugadi as well. People offer prayers to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and seek his blessings for a prosperous new year. They also visit temples and seek the blessings of the presiding deities.
Apart from its religious significance, it's also a time when people get together socially and for family reunions. With their loved ones, people exchange greetings and gifts and they also enjoy a festive meal together.
The festival of Ugadi is a time to reaffirm one's faith in God and hope for the future. It is a time to let go of the past and welcome the new year with enthusiasm and positivity.
Where Do You Buy Ugadi Items Online in the UK?
We, Lakshmi Stores Uk, sell everything you need to celebrate Ugadi. Mark the beginning of a new era with us, we offer all the ingredients used to prepare Ugadi Pachadi and sweets for Ugadi - Ingredients for Boorelu, Ingredients for Sheera, Ingredients for Payasam to make your fest a grandeur one. We also sell pooja items like Mango leaves, Rajapuri Mangoes,Neem flowers, Totapuri Mangoes, Betel leaves, Arugampul and everything you need for this auspicious start. Happily celebrate Ugadi in the UK with all the favorite items from Lakshmi Stores UK online.