SS Bhakthi

Namaskaram

2026

Ugadi 2026

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Key details

For Hyderabad

Ugadi

Ugadi: The Telugu New Year

Ugadi is the Telugu New Year, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Padyami, the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. It marks the start of a new samvatsara in the lunar calendar, and families across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana welcome it with an oil bath, mango-leaf torans, Ugadi Pachadi and the reading of the new year's Panchangam.

The Story Behind Ugadi

The name comes from yuga and adi, meaning "the beginning of an age". According to tradition, Lord Brahma began the work of creation on Chaitra Shukla Padyami, which is why this day is considered the start of time itself. Each year in the sixty-year cycle has its own name, from Prabhava to Akshaya, and the new samvatsara begins on Ugadi. Spring is in full bloom at this time, with neem flowers, raw mangoes and fresh tamarind in season, and the festival celebrates this renewal of nature.

How Ugadi Is Celebrated

  • Abhyanga snanam: Wake up before sunrise and take an oil bath with sesame oil, then wear new or clean clothes.
  • Decorating the home: Wash the threshold, draw muggulu (rangoli) and tie mango-leaf torans to the main door.
  • Puja: Worship the family deity and Lord Ganesha, and offer Ugadi Pachadi as naivedyam.
  • Ugadi Pachadi: Eat the special pachadi made of neem flowers, raw mango, jaggery, tamarind, salt and green chilli or pepper.
  • Panchanga Sravanam: Listen to the reading of the new year's Panchangam at a temple or in the community.

The Meaning of Ugadi Pachadi

Ugadi Pachadi brings together six tastes: sweet (jaggery), bitter (neem flowers), sour (tamarind), salty (salt), spicy (chilli or pepper) and tangy (raw mango). These stand for happiness, sorrow, disgust, fear, anger and surprise. Eating them together on the first day of the year reminds us to accept every experience of life with a steady mind. Along with the pachadi, many homes prepare bobbatlu (puran poli), pulihora and payasam.

Panchanga Sravanam and New Beginnings

In the evening, priests and scholars read out the forecasts for the new year: rainfall, harvest, and the results for each rashi. Many people consider Ugadi an auspicious day to start new ventures, buy new things or begin learning. Some families also hold cultural programmes and Kavi Sammelanams (poetry gatherings) on this day.

May this Ugadi bring health, peace and prosperity to you and your family through the new year.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ugadi celebrated?
Ugadi is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Padyami, the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. It is the Telugu New Year and marks the start of a new samvatsara.
What is Ugadi Pachadi made of?
Ugadi Pachadi is made with neem flowers, raw mango, jaggery, tamarind, salt and green chilli or pepper. Its six tastes represent the different experiences of life that one should accept with balance.
Why do people listen to Panchanga Sravanam on Ugadi?
Panchanga Sravanam is the reading of the new year's Panchangam, which gives forecasts for rainfall, crops and each rashi. Listening to it on Ugadi is considered auspicious and helps families plan the year ahead.
What special foods are made for Ugadi?
Besides Ugadi Pachadi, Telugu homes usually prepare bobbatlu (puran poli), pulihora, payasam and other festive dishes. Many families also make mango-based dishes since raw mangoes are in season.
How is Ugadi celebrated at home?
Families wake early for an oil bath, wear new clothes, tie mango-leaf torans and draw muggulu at the entrance. They then worship the family deity, offer Ugadi Pachadi and share a festive meal.
Is Ugadi a good day to start something new?
Yes, Ugadi is widely considered an auspicious day for new beginnings. Many people start new ventures, buy new items or begin learning on this day.

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