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Celebrated in the month of March or April, Ugadi or Yugadi is the New Year's Day celebration of the Southern states of India, mainly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This festival is observed on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar.
Ugadi 2025 Date: 30th March 2025, Sunday
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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