Ugadi, also known as the Telugu New Year, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Ugadi is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, where people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with hope and optimism.

The festivities typically start with an early morning ritual bath followed by the decoration of homes with intricate and colorful rangoli designs. Families gather to offer prayers and seek blessings from deities. One of the highlights of Ugadi is the preparation of a special dish called “Ugadi Pachadi,” which symbolizes the various flavors of life—sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. This symbolic dish represents the acceptance of life’s different experiences with equanimity.

People dress in traditional attire, exchange heartfelt greetings, and visit temples to seek divine blessings. Cultural programs and performances are organized, showcasing traditional music, dance, and drama. Ugadi celebrations also include kite flying, outdoor games, and processions, adding a festive and lively atmosphere to the occasion. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share delicious traditional meals, and cherish the spirit of unity and togetherness.

Ugadi celebrations truly embody the essence of new beginnings, positivity, and cultural richness.

Ugadi 2023