Celebrate "Ugadhi or Ugadi or Kannada/Telugu new year"

Yugadi or Ugadi (ugadhi) falls on Chaitra Shudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra maasa. Kannada people observe Ugadi by - buying new clothes, Neem flower and leaf pachadi preparation, oil bath and Ugadi Panchanga Sravana. People call each other to wish and greet "Indian New year" on Ugadi Kannada or new year wishes/greetings in Telugu.

Ugadi Puja

The eldest female member in the house usually prepares for the Ugadi puja. House is thoroughly cleaned. Mango leave festoons or other decorations are installed on doors and windows.

"bevu bella" (neem flower with jaggery) or "pachDi" is made.

New clothes for family members are arranged before the deity or in the puja room. A small mark using a pinch of turmeric and kum kuma is made on the new clothes, mostly on those areas which is not easily visible.

Next is the oil bath. A through oil bath with sesame oil or other hair oils is a must on Ugadi. Usually children are given a good scalp oil massage by mothers.

The Panchanga Puja (for new year) is performed. Copies of New Panchanga are placed on a stool and is decorated with turmeric, sandalwood paste and kumkum. Some flowers, uncooked rice and turmeric are placed on the panchanga.

Youngsters take the blessings of elders. Next Ugadi pachadi is eaten on empty stomach. Next read the panchanga especially the part which contains next year’s predictions.

The traditional puja ends here. There are many Hindus who perform the Navagraha puja on Ugadi day.

At night, it is considered highly auspicious to look at the moon. This is referred as Ugadi Chandra Darshana.