Ugadi

Ugadi marks the beginning of a New Year for us.  It falls on the first day of Chaitra.  Unlike the Gregorian New year, the Ugadi is celebrated like a festival by decorating the House, taking Oil Bath, Performing Pooja and having a traditional new year feast.

Thoran is hanged in the Main door frame.  The day starts with Oil Bath (Abhyanga Snana) by all.  Shaligrama Pooja and all daily poojas are performed without fail on this day.  The important pooja of the day is the Panchanga Pooja.  The special dish for Naivedya is the Neem flower pachadi – A combination of Neem flowers, Tamarind and Jaggery.

Seeking blessings of all elders, visiting temples and seeking the blessings of the almighty, are a must on this day.

In the evening, Panchanga Sravana or reading of the Panchanga is done by inviting a Pandit who can decipher the contents and explaining everyone how the year is likely to be.

With people considering celebration of Gregorian new year as a fashion, the traditional celebration of Ugadi is fast vanishing.  Beginning our year with the family and celebrating Ugadi with full tradition is the best thing to do for a wonderful year ahead.