Ugadi Story: Why Do We Celebrate Ugadi?

According to Hindu mythology, Ugadi is celebrated as the day when Lord Brahma created the universe. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the earth and all its creatures on this auspicious day.

The story goes that Lord Brahma felt lonely and unfulfilled, as there was no life on the earth he had created. So, he decided to create humans, animals, and plants to bring life to his creation. Lord Brahma then created the Hindu calendar, which starts on the day of Ugadi.

It is also said that on this day, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Matsya Avatar, the fish, and saved the Vedas, the holy scriptures of Hinduism, from the demon Hayagriva, who had stolen them and hidden them under the ocean.

Lord Vishnu fought with the demon for many years and finally emerged victorious on the day of Ugadi. This is why the day is also considered the day of victory over evil.

Another popular legend associated with Ugadi is that of King Satyavrat, who was blessed by Lord Vishnu with a boon to save him and his family from a great flood.

The king built a boat and saved his family, animals, and plants from the flood. It is believed that the day of Ugadi marks the beginning of the new era after the great flood.

The first day of Chaitra Shuddha Padyami is very important in Hindu culture. This day is celebrated with great devotion by people of all ages.

People from all over the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Ugadi under a variety of names. Cheti Chand among Sindhis, Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra, Yugadi in Karnataka.

In modern times, Ugadi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy as a time for new beginnings, prosperity, and good fortune.

People clean their homes, wear new clothes, decorate their houses with flowers and rangolis, and prepare traditional dishes like pulihora, bobbatlu, and ugadi pachadi, which is a combination of six flavors, symbolizing the different aspects of life.

Significance of Ugadi Pachadi

Ugadi Pachadi has six flavors. It stands for “people must face every feeling in their life with equality.” Fear and sadness share the same importance as joy and bravery. We are the amalgamation of all emotions.

1. Jaggery refers to sweetness, which is happiness.
2. Neem flowers/ buds refer to bitterness, which is sadness.
3. Chilli/ Pepper refers to a spicy flavor, which is anger.
4. Salt refers to saltiness, which is fear.
5. Unripe mango pieces refer to tangy or astringent taste, which is a surprise.
6. Tamarind refers to sourness, which is unpleasantness.

Ugadi is a time for people to reflect on the past year, let go of negative energies, and embrace new beginnings with renewed enthusiasm and positivity. It is a time to seek blessings from the gods for a prosperous new year and to come together with family and friends to celebrate the joy of life and the power of new beginnings.

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