Yugadi/Gudi Padwa Ugadi Pachadi
Observed by	Hindus
Type	Telugu, Maharashtrians, Kannadigas, Konkani, Balinese New Year's Day
Begins	Chaitra Shuddha Padyami
Date	March (generally), April (occasionally)
2012 date	March 23rd in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
Celebrations	1 day

Yugādi, Ugādi, or Samvatsarādi (Kannada: ಯುಗಾದಿ, yugādi, IPA: [juga:di] ^?, Konkani/Marathi: युगादी yugādi, Telugu: ఉగాది, ugādi ^? or సంవత్సరాది samvatsarādi) is the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. The name Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning): "the beginning of a new age".^[1] It falls on the different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with the month of Chaitra (March–April) and Ugadi marks the first day of the new year. Chaitra is the first month in Panchanga which is the Indian calendar.

While the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh use the term Yugadi/Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa (Marathi: गुढी पाडवा). Marwari, people of Rajasthan celebrate the same day as their new year day Thapna. Sindhis, people from Sindh, celebrate the same day as their New Year day Cheti Chand.^[2] Manipuris also celebrate their New Year (Sajibu nongma panba) on the same day. It is observed as Baisakhi in Punjab and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. However, it is not celebrated on the same day as Yugadi in Tamil Nadu. It is also celebrated in Mauritius.^[3] Hindus of Bali and Indonesia also celebrate their new year on the same day as Nyepi.

The Lunar Almanac[link]

The word Yugadi can be explained as; 'Yuga' is the word for 'epoch' or 'era', and 'ādi' stands for 'the beginning'.^{[citation needed]} Yugadi specifically refers to the start of the age we are living in now, Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga started the moment when Lord Krishna left the world. Maharshi Vedavyasa describes this event with the words "Yesmin Krishno divamvyataha, Tasmat eeva pratipannam Kaliyugam". Kali Yuga began on February 17/18 at midnight in 3102 BC.

The festival marks the new year day for people between Vindhyas and Kaveri river who follow the South Indian lunar calendar, pervasively adhered to in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.

This calendar reckons dates based on the Shalivahana era^{[citation needed]} (Shalivahana Shaka), which begins its count from the supposed date of the founding of the Empire by the legendary hero Shalivahana^{[citation needed]}. The Satavahana king Shalivahana (also identified as Gautamiputra Satakarni) is credited with the initiation of this era known as Shalivahana. The Salivahana era begins its count of years from the year corresponding to 78 CE of the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the year 2000 CE corresponds to the year 1922 of the Salivahana Era.^{[citation needed]}

In the terminology used by this lunar calendar (also each year is identified as per Indian Calendar)^{[citation needed]}, Yugadi falls on "Chaitra Shudhdha Paadyami" or the first day of the bright half of the Indian month of Chaitra.^{[citation needed]} This generally falls in the months of March or April of the Gregorian calendar. In 2011, Ugadi falls on April 4.

Lunar calendars have a sixty year cycle and starts the new year on Yugadi i.e., on "Chaitra Sudhdha Paadyami". After the completion of sixty years, the calendar starts a new with the first year.

Yugadi (start of new year) is based on Bhāskara II^{[citation needed]} lunar calculations in 12th century. It starts on the first new moon after Sun crosses equator from south to north on Spring Equinox. For example, the time for the new moon for Bijapur where Bhaskaracharya was born can be determined from the website [1] However, people celebrate Yugadi on the next morning as Indian day starts from sun rise. Many Indians in America also celebrate Yugadi.

Observance of the festival[link]

The Kannada, Marathi, Telugu and the Konkani diaspora in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala celebrate the festival with great fanfare; gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast are 'de rigueur'. The day, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by prayers.

Symbolic Eating of a Dish with Six Tastes[link]

The eating of a specific mixture of six tastes (షడ్రుచులు), called Ugadi Pachhadi (ఉగాది పచ్చడి) in Telugu and Bevu-Bella (ಬೇವು-ಬೆಲ್ಲ) in Kannada,^[4] symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise), which should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year.

The special mixture consists of:

• Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness
• Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness, signifying Happiness
• Green Chilli/Pepper for its hot taste, signifying Anger
• Salt for saltiness, signifying Fear
• Tamarind Juice for its sourness, signifying Disgust
• Unripened Mango for its tang, signifying Surprise

Special dishes[link]

bobbattu or Bhakshalu/Holigey -prepared on Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In Karnataka a special dish called obbattu or Holige, is prepared. In Andhra Pradesh, a special dish called Bhakshyalu or Bobbatlu (Polelu) (Puran Poli) are prepared on this occasion. It consists of a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a paste) stuffed in a flat roti like bread. It is usually eaten hot/cold with ghee or milk topping or coconut milk at some places of Karnataka.

Another dish which is prepared on occasion of Ugadi is Ugadi pachhadi (mentiond above).

Recitation of Almanac[link]

Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious Panchangam (almanac) of the new year, and the general forecast of the year to come. This is called the 'Panchanga Sravanam', an informal social function where an elderly and respected person

When you meet any Telugu people and want to wish them for Telugu New Year, you say "Ugadi Shubhakankshalu - ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు (Noothana Samvatsara Shubhakankshalu - నూతన సంవత్సర శుభాకాంక్షలు)". In response they greet you with, "Meeku kooda Ugadi Shubhakankshalu - మీకు కూడా ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు (Meeku kooda Noothana Samvatsara Shubhakankshalu - మీకు కూడా నూతన సంవత్సర శుభాకాంక్షలు)".

In 2011, the year greeting should be Sri Khara Nama Samvatsara Shubhakankshalu.

In Kannada, the greeting would be "Yugadi Habbada Shubhashayagalu" - ಯುಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು (Greetings for the festival of Yugadi) or "Hosa varshada shubhashayagaLu" - ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು (Greetings on the new year).

In Konkani, it would be Navve varsache shubhashyay, Samvatsar padvyachi shubheccha.

In Marathi, it would be 'गुढी पाडव्याच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा' (Gudhi padvyachya hardik shubhechcha).

In 2012, the year greeting should be Sri Nandana Nama Shubhakankshalu

See also[link]

• Telugu years
• Gudi Padwa
• Cheti Chand
• Vishu
• Sajibu Cheiraoba
• Yuga
• Vedic Timeline
• Hindu calendar
• Panchangam
• Jyotish
• Baisakhi
• Puthandu

References[link]

External links[link]

• Ugadi SMS, Messages, Greetings and Wishes
• Telugu Daily Panchangam 2012

v t e Festivals in the Hindu calendar Major festivals Pongal Makar Sankranti Holi Rama Navami Krishna Janmashtami Maha Shivaratri Onam Ganesh Chaturthi Navratri (Mysore Dasara – Durga Puja – Vijayadashami) Diwali (Bhau-Beej) Chhath Vat Purnima Thaipusam Regional New Year Gudi Padwa (Marathi, Konkani) Ugadi (Telugu, Kannada) Cheti Chand (Sindhi) Bihu (Assamese) Bisu (Tuluva) Vaisakhi (Punjabi) Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya) Pohela Boishakh (Bengali) Puthandu (Tamil) Vishu (Malayalee) Holy days Ekadashi Gowri Habba Karwa Chauth Mahalakshmi Vrata Raksha Bandhan Sankranti Savitri Brata Thaipusam Holy periods Chaturmas Dhanurmas

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Ugadi. (Discuss) Proposed since April 2011.

This article is an orphan, as few or no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from related articles; suggestions may be available. (February 2009)

Ugadi or the Telugu New Year is celebrated in the month of March. This festival is also celebrated by other Hindu traditions e.g. Marathi people as Gudi Padwa. For more information on Ougadi as a Hindu festival or for a more detailed treatise on the topic please refer to Ugadi.

During this festival people have lunch or dinner with their relatives and cultural shows are organised. Prayers and cakes distributed to relatives, friends and neighbours are also part of the festival celebrated last Saturday.

The day starts with a purifying wash – the mangala snaanam – before the sun on Saturday morning. Then, after putting on chandrika oil and massaging themselves with a paste made with cereals, the Telugus are ready to start the celebration of the creation of the Universe by the God Brahmâ.

The patchadi – a mixture of green mangoes, tamarind, lilac flowers, chilli and salt – is prepared and offered to God in a special prayer to ask for his protection. They then go to the temple where they are read the panchagam (Telegu almanac). This special day is also a time for decorative activities like the mugga, which are beautiful and colourful designs made with different seeds and spices.

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2007)

Gudhi Padwa
A Gudhi is erected on Gudhi Padwa
Official name	Gudhi Padwa or Samvatsar Padvo
Observed by	Marathi Hindus, Konkanis
Type	Hindu lunar new year's Day
Begins	Chaitra
Date	March/ April
2011 date	April 4
2012 date	March 23
Celebrations	1 day
Related to	Hindu calendar

Gudhi Padwa (Marathi: गुढी पाडवा, often mis-pronounced as guDi padwa because ढी sounds like डी when spoken), is the Marathi name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.^[1] It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This day is also the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash Sthapana is done on this day.^[2]

The word पाडवा(pāḍavā) or पाडवो(pāḍavo) comes from the Prakrit word पड्ड्वा/पाड्ड्वो(pāḍḍavā/pāḍḍavo) whose Sanskrit equivalent is प्रथमा (prathamā), which stands for the first day of the bright phase of the moon called प्रतिपदा (pratipadā) in Sanskrit.

In the south of India, first day of the bright phase of the moon is called pāḍya(Tamil: பாட்ய or பாட்டமி , Kannada: ಪಾಡ್ಯ, Telugu: పాడ్యమి, paadyami,Konkani: पाड्यॆ). Konkani Hindus variously refer to the day as संसर पाडवो or संसर पाड्यॆ (saṁsāra 'pāḍavo/ saṁsāra pāḍye),संसार (saṁsāra) being a corruption of the word संवत्सर (saṁvatsara). Konkani Hindus in Karnataka also refer to it as उगादि (ugādi).

Gudhi Padwa in other languages, states and people[link]

Known as Gudhi Padwa ("Gudhee Paadavaa") in Maharashtra, this festival is also known as^[1]

• Samvatsar Padvo among Hindu Konkanis of Goa^[3]
• Yugadi among the rest of Konkani diaspora in Karnataka and Ugadi in Andhra pradesh and Navreh or Navreh amongst Kashmiri Pandits

In other parts of India^[1] this festival is celebrated during

• Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh
• Yugadi in Karnataka
• Cheti Chand among the Sindhi people^[4][5]

Etymology[link]

The word padwa is derived from the Sanskrit word Pratipada^{[citation needed]} for first day of a lunar month i.e. first day after new moon day (Amavasya). A Gudhi is also hoisted on this occasion giving this festival its name. The term padwa or padavo is also associated with Balipratipada the third day of Diwali^{[citation needed]} which is another celebration that comes at the end of the harvesting season.

Significance[link]

Astronomical[link]

This new moon day has special meaning from Astronomy point of view. The Sun is supposed to be in first point of Aries, (Hamal) which is first sign of zodiac and is a natural beginning of spring. Many civilzations have known this. People of ancient Egypt knew this and Nowruz( literally "New Day" ) in Persia is also based on this observation. The Sun however may not be exactly in Aries due to Lunar month. This is adjusted by adding a "Adhik" (Literally an extra) Lunar month every three years to ensure New Year Day( "Gudhee Paadawaa") indeed matches observed season. Seee Panchang for details.

It has evolved into of many festivals Holi, Gudhee Padava around this part of year in India

Chronological[link]

Being the first day of the first month of a year, Gudhi Padwa is the New Year's Day for Marathi people.^{[citation needed]}

Agricultural[link]

India is a predominantly agrarian society. Thus celebrations and festivals are often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the beginning of a new one. In this context, the Gudhi Padwa is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season. Gudhi Padwa is one of the Saade-Teen Muhurta (translation from Marathi: 3 and a half auspicious days) in the Indian Lunar calendar. The full list is as follows Gudhi Padwa -

• 1st Tithi of Chaitra (Bright Half)
• Vijayadashami - 10th Tithi of Ashwin
• Balipratipada - 1st Tithi of Kartika (Bright Half)

Historical[link]

This day also commemorates the commencement of the Shalivahana calendar after he defeated hunas in battle.^[6]

Religious[link]

According to the Brahma Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth.^[6]

Seasonal[link]

On this day, the sun assumes a position above the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians. According to the Hindu calendar, this marks the commencement of the Vasanta ritu or the spring season.^[6]

The Gudhi[link]

On Gudhi Padwa, a gudhi is found sticking out of a window or otherwise prominently displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households. Bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gaathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves^{[citation needed]}, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. Altogether, it is called as Gudhi. It is hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it.

Some of the significances attributed to raising a Gudhi are as follows:

• Maharashtrians also see the Gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Shivaji. It also symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana over Sakas and was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan.^[6]
• Gudhi symbolizes the Brahmadhvaj (translation: Brahma’s flag) mentioned in the Brahma Purana, because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It may also represent Indradhvaj (translation: the flag of Indra).^[6]
• Mythologically, the Gudhi symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudi (flag). It is believed that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.^[6]
• Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house.^[6]

The Gudhi is positioned on the right side of the main entrance of the house. The right side symbolizes active state of the soul.^[1]

Festivities[link]

Rangoli

On the festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered with fresh cow-dung. Even in the city, people take the time out to do some spring cleaning. Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for family gatherings.

Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with dhane, gul/gur (known as jaggery in English), and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.

Maharashtrian families also make shrikhand and Poori or Puran Poli on this day. Konkanis make Kanangachi Kheer, a variety of Kheer made of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, rice flour, etc. and Sanna.

See also[link]

• Hindu units of measurement
• Panchanga

References[link]

External links[link]

• Gudi Padwa Information
• Gudhipadwa, the Hindu New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada) - an introduction
• Gudi Padwa Astrology

v t e Festivals in the Hindu calendar Major festivals Pongal Makar Sankranti Holi Rama Navami Krishna Janmashtami Maha Shivaratri Onam Ganesh Chaturthi Navratri (Mysore Dasara – Durga Puja – Vijayadashami) Diwali (Bhau-Beej) Chhath Vat Purnima Thaipusam Regional New Year Gudi Padwa (Marathi, Konkani) Ugadi (Telugu, Kannada) Cheti Chand (Sindhi) Bihu (Assamese) Bisu (Tuluva) Vaisakhi (Punjabi) Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya) Pohela Boishakh (Bengali) Puthandu (Tamil) Vishu (Malayalee) Holy days Ekadashi Gowri Habba Karwa Chauth Mahalakshmi Vrata Raksha Bandhan Sankranti Savitri Brata Thaipusam Holy periods Chaturmas Dhanurmas

Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand banner in Pune, India
Observed by	Sindhi people
Type	Sindhi New Year's Day
Date	March/April
2011 date	April 5
2012 date	March 24
Celebrations	1 day

Cheti Chand (Sindhi: چنڊ ‎چيٽي (Perso-Arabic), चेटी चंड (Devanagari)) is an important festival celebrated as New Year's Day by Sindhi people of Pakistan and India. According to the Hindu calendar, it is the second day of the month chaitra (i.e. a day after Ugadi and Gudi Padwa), known as Chet in the Sindhi language. Hence it is known as Chet-i-Chand.

The Sindhi community celebrates the festival of Cheti Chand in honour of the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the patron saint of the Sindhis. This day is considered to be very auspicious and is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. On this day, people worship water – the elixir of life.

Followers of Jhulelal observe Chaliho Sahab. It suggests that for forty long days and nights they underwent rituals and vigil on the bank of Sindhu. They did not shave, nor did they wear new clothes or shoes. They did not use soap or oil or any opulent thing. They just washed their clothes, dried them and wore them again. In the evening, they worshiped God Varun (Vedic deity of water and cosmic order), sang songs in his praise and prayed for solace and salvation. After 40 days of Chaaliho, the followers of Jhulelal celebrate the occasion with festivity as 'Thanks Giving Day' even till today.

On this day, many Sindhis take Baharana Sahib to a nearby river or lake. Baharana Sahib consists of Jyot (Oil Lamp), Misiri (Crystal Sugar), Phota (Cardamom), Fal (Fruits), and Akha. Behind is Kalash (Water jar) and a Nariyal (Coconut) in it, covered with cloth, phool (flowers) and patta (leaves). There is also a Murti (Idol) of Pujya Jhulelal Devta (Pujya=Worthy of worship, Devta=Deity).

Greetings[link]

The Sindhi New Year greeting is: "Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav". The response is: "Twah khe bhi Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav".

External links[link]

• Images of Cheti Chand in Sindhunagar from Sindhunagar.com

• Barwachi, Indian Food Recipes from sify.com

v t e Festivals in the Hindu calendar Major festivals Pongal Makar Sankranti Holi Rama Navami Krishna Janmashtami Maha Shivaratri Onam Ganesh Chaturthi Navratri (Mysore Dasara – Durga Puja – Vijayadashami) Diwali (Bhau-Beej) Chhath Vat Purnima Thaipusam Regional New Year Gudi Padwa (Marathi, Konkani) Ugadi (Telugu, Kannada) Cheti Chand (Sindhi) Bihu (Assamese) Bisu (Tuluva) Vaisakhi (Punjabi) Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya) Pohela Boishakh (Bengali) Puthandu (Tamil) Vishu (Malayalee) Holy days Ekadashi Gowri Habba Karwa Chauth Mahalakshmi Vrata Raksha Bandhan Sankranti Savitri Brata Thaipusam Holy periods Chaturmas Dhanurmas

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