What is Ugadi? Why is the festival of Ugadi celebrated?
Ugadi is the Telugu New Year festival. It is celebrated on the Padyami day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The word Ugadi comes from the Sanskrit word "Yugadi", in which "Yuga" means period or era, and "Adi" means beginning. Therefore, "Yugadi" means the beginning of a new era. Why is Ugadi celebrated? Beginning of the New Year According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Ugadi marks the beginning of the new year. It marks the beginning of spring, when nature becomes green. This festival is celebrated to welcome the new year with new hopes and new resolutions. Beginning of the Creation of Lord Brahma According to the Puranas, Lord Brahma is said to have begun the creation on this day. Therefore, it is also considered as the Day of Creation. Beginning of the Time Cycle According to Hindu astrology, the new time cycle begins on the day of Ugadi. The 60-year cycle (shamvatsara) begins again every Ugadi day. Traditional decorations and ritua...