Ugadi, the beginning of a new age

Swapna

Ugadi, the beginning of a new age

Festivals come with an overflow of positive emotions. It is the time when people's enthusiasm breaks all boundaries and every heart fills with love and pleasure. In a country like India, which is rich in culture and tradition, there is nothing in the world that can match the aura of Indian festivals. It exactly knows how to celebrate a festival uniquely just like Ugadi.

Decorations for Ugadi celebration: Image source- News Fresherslive

In April, I planned a sudden trip to Andhra Pradesh to visit one of my friend's places. Being a city girl I was already used to the chaos and complications of urban life, so a chance to spend my vacation in the countryside attracted and amused me. The serene environment healed my soul but the day of the Ugadi celebration took my heart forever.

That day every house was adorned with colorful patterns called Muggulu. The entrance of every room was marked by beautiful flower decorations and the walls were dressed with their best wall hangings. My eyes were stuck on the large bag full of new clothes for every member of the family, but my mind failed to understand the reason behind it. Suddenly a voice pierced my ears, "How long will it take you to get ready, we have so many things to do.", my friend shouted. I did as she told but seeing this pomp and fanfare, I was pretty excited to know about the occasion. Belonging to north India, I was unaware of the cultures of the south so I ran to a grandmother with all my questions.

Yugadi is coined by two words: 'Yuga', which means age or era, and 'Adi' which means beginning. Hence it is celebrated as the day when Brahma created the universe or a day of a new beginning. People also worship Lord Brahma and Vishnu on the day with devotion and respect. The whole house is beautifully decorated and purified with puja and Ganga Jal (holy water of Ganga). The entrance of every house, temple, and shop are decorated with Mango leaves and bright colors popping from the rangolis making every inch of the ground colorful and beautiful. People wake up early and take bath with customary scented oil. According to beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi resides in oil and Goddess Ganga in water, thus people seek blessings of both the goddesses when they apply oil before bathing.

Like this, every adornment and celebration also has great significance on its own. The bright colors signify that the coming year would be bright and colorful like the colors and the mango leaves signify good luck and are considered pious and auspicious in Hindu culture. Apart from Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is also celebrated in different parts of India with different names. Gudhi Padwa in Karnataka, Cheti Chand among Sindhis and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu

As every celebration is incomplete without good food, Ugadi is also incomplete without the special delicacy Pachhadi or Ugadi chutney. It is made by mixing six different flavors: chili powder, tamarind, mango, jaggery, neem flowers, and salt. These six different items signify six different emotions. Apart from Pachhadi, Puliogure and Holige also served as special dishes of the day.

Ugadi or Yugadi is one of the most important festivals of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month*.* It is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year which is also referred to as the Telugu new year. Celebrating Ugadi with ethics and rituals ensures a calm and prosperous year ahead and hence it is celebrated with great gusto.

The significance of Yugadi stems from mythology when Somakasura, a ferocious demon, wanted to establish his demonic clan as the only and most powerful clan in the universe. But the biggest hindrance in his path emerged as God's decision to introduce human life into existence. He was in big trouble because his hands were running out of time and he was constantly failing in his attempts to disrupt the process.On the other hand, Lord Vishnu handed over the sacred Vedas to Lord Brahma for creating the universe. This gave Somakasura a golden chance to perish humans before their creation. In the middle, he secretly stole the Vedas to cease the creation.

While the demon was celebrating his success hiding under the ocean, Lord Brahma was under tremendous pressure. This juxtaposition in the situation compelled Vishnu to incarnate into a form to bring Vedas back from the clutches of the demon. Vishnu chose the avatar of Matsya or fish to enter the ocean world and slay Somakasura. He came back with the four Vedas and marked the creation of the universe and human life.

"The prasad is ready, come enjoy the Pachhadi," a voice said again, breaking my concentration. I leaped with joy at the prospect of trying the meal I had just heard about. Its taste was divine. I could taste the scrumptious dish with only one feeling, which is of satisfaction.

Even though the same festival is celebrated with different names and different ways, the essence of the festival always remains the same. These days ensure happiness overpowers one's grief and love wins over hatred to establish unity and integrity. After celebrating Ugadi I realized that visiting Andhra Pradesh was one of my best decisions. When a festival is celebrated with so much heart and love, it's impossible to resist revisiting the event. The next day I left the place with a heavy heart and with a hope of celebrating Ugadi next year with the same people.