Ugadi 2025

What is the story behind Ugadi?

Celebrated as a grand affair in the Southern states of India, Ugadi has several legends and beliefs surrounding it. Most of these legends hint towards the unending cycle of life and the human capabilities to keep going through tough times.

Lord Brahma And The Creation Of The Universe

According to the Ugadi meaning, the translation of this word is 'the beginning of a new age', and its meaning derives from the age-old legend surrounding Lord Brahma and the creation of the Universe. While most people believe in different stories, this is the most popular.

It is believed that Lord Brahma created the Universe on the day of Ugadi, considered the first day of creation. So, in relation to this story, people try to start new ventures and step foot into new tasks on the day of Ugadi.

The Tale Of Samudra Manthan

During the Samudra Manthan, the Asuras or demons tried to take the Amrita that was created. So, in his Matsya form, Lord Vishnu saved the Amrit (Holy Nectar) from being taken by the demons. It is believed that Lord Vishnu saved Amrit on the day of Ugadi.

Lastly, there is another story of Ugadi, which says that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on the day of Ugadi and set a mark for long celebrations that symbolised the win of good over evil and new beginnings.

What is the significance of Ugadi?

According to people's beliefs and traditions, Ugadi celebrates good things and new beginnings. It stands for letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. Moreover, this festival also focuses on the life cycle and how people experience changes along with changing seasons and times.

• When it comes to astrology and spirituality, Ugadi sees Panchanga Sravanam, which is the act of reading the calendar. On this day, individuals talk to astrologers and receive guidance regarding their lives according to planetary events, movements, placements, and positions.
• In addition to spirituality, Ugadi significance relates to spiritual reflection, introspection, growth, and acceptance of change and transformation.
• This festival also includes a tradition called Ugadi Pachadi, which is a mixture of flavours such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy, and is a reminder to people that life also comes in such flavours, and one should embrace it as it comes.
• Furthermore, it tells people that one should not be scared to experience life to its fullest.

Ugadi Festival: Rituals and Remedies

The rituals involved in the Ugadi festival date are elaborate, fun, and unifying. The Ugadi traditions consist of rituals that connect all the people who are celebrating and remind them of the true purpose of this festival. Moreover, these festivities begin early during the day after people have showered, worn their best clothes, and decorated their houses. Here are some of the most popular and essential traditions surrounding Ugadi:

Ugadi Rituals

• The day of Ugadi starts by waking up early and cleansing oneself.
• As the mark of celebration, people tend to decorate their houses on this day using mango leaves. Along with this, they also use cow dung to purify their house and get rid of any negative energies.
• Families gather to listen to the astrological Panchang, the Panchanga Sravanam. In this ritual, a pandit tells all the family members about the coming year for them.
• In the Ugadi Pachadi, a unique mixture known as the Ugadipachadi is prepared with bitter, sweet, sour, spicy, and tangy flavours. The items used are mostly neem, jaggery, tamarinds, green chillies, and raw mangoes.

While these are some of the popular customs of Ugadi, this festival has much more to offer, including cultural performances such as dance shows and traditional games, acts of charity, fasting and then feasting, and offering elaborate prayers to different deities.

Ugadi Remedies

• Engaging in charity work will ensure happiness, abundance, and stability.
• Offering milk and fruits to dieties like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha will ensure a positive, healthy, and happy year.
• Tie mango leaves on every entrance of the house or shop to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
• Taking an oil bath ensures letting go of all internal and external impurities.

Read About Other Important Festivals