On Monday March 19th 2007, is the festival of Ugadhi for the Hindus, the New Year. It is believed that on this day the world emanated from Brahma(the lord of creation) as he wakes from his sleep. Yugadhi is made of two words Yuga meaning Era and Adhi meaning beginning.
This is a festival that is celebrated by the followers of the Lunar Calendar, in the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. On this day the Panchanga is read by the priests.. The Panchanga literally means five limbs, it is the hindu astrological almanac. The details can be read here.
Back home usually the preparations begin a week ahead. Everything is cleaned, tidied up, shined and glazed. On the day, Mango leaves and Neem Leaves garlands are hung at the door way. The Entry ways are decorated with beautiful Rangoli. On the day, everyone takes a cleansing bath after an sesame oil massage. After the bath, usually at the family shrine, the lamp is lit and prayers in thanks offered to God. Then everyone eats the chutney made off Neem flowers, jaggery, salt and lemonjuice, on an empty stomach. It is a reminder that life has all these tastes and it is best for us to learn to digest all of them.
The usual Dishes that are prepared during this festival are Obattu/Hollige (a sweetened flat bread), Puliahora(rice prepared with spices and tamarind paste) along with other yummy's. Its also a time when families gather together. To all those who are celebrating Ugadhi---
May this year bring in the best in each of you. May the sweet things in life make you grateful. May the bitter things in life teach you. May the sour and the salty temper the sweet and the bitter.
Have a wonderful Ugadhi!!
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