Ugadi
This festival, held in April, marks the beginning of the New Year in Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu
pantheon, started his work of creation on this day. The calculations of the
great Indian mathematician, Bhaskaracharya, proclaim Ugadi as the beginning
of the New Year.
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, people
wake up and take a head bath, after which they Preparations for Ugadi start
a week in advance, with the purchase of new clothes and a thorough cleaning
of homes. On the day itself, people rise early (before the break of dawn).
After a head bath, they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango
leaves, pray for health, wealth, and success in business in the New Year.
Ugadi is considered the most auspicious time to start new ventures.
Ugadi is strongly associated with the jasmine flower. Its scent perfumes
the air; it is woven into garlands and offered to the gods, and braided into
the long tresses of young girls. The Flame of the Forest (a tree with scarlet
flowers) is in full bloom during the season, signifying a time of affluence
and beauty.
In Maharashtra, Ugadi is celebrated as Gudi Padwa .
