Observed as the New Year’s Day of the Hindus of Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar in the month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of March or April. This Indian festival marks the onset of joy, happiness, hope, and light. The word Ugadi is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Yuga” meaning age, and “adi” meaning, the beginning. In simple words, it means the beginning of a new age. This festival is celebrated with a lot of gusto and fervor in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is also celebrated with an undying spirit and enthusiasm in many other parts of our country with different names. For instance, Ugadi in Maharashtra is celebrated as Gudi Padwa whereas, Ugadi in Karnataka is celebrated as Yugadi. It is interesting to know that the festival of Ugadi marks the beginning of New Year for people who are particularly living between the Kaveri and Vindhya rivers. Geographically speaking, it is majorly celebrated by the people who live in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. As the cold days are left behind and warm, comfortable spring weather sets in, the newer, longer days inspire hope for a prosperous future. Another major significance of Ugadi is that as per Hindu texts, it is on this day, that Lord Brahma started the creation of the Universe. It was also the day when Lord Rama after returning from an exile of 14 years was crowned the King of Ayodhya. With so many religious, spiritual, and joyous connotations, this festival is celebrated with immense joy in hearts.
History Of Ugadi Festival
Ugadi has always been an important historic festival for the Hindus. As per the historic records, many donations are made to the temples by the affluent and middle class, alike on this day. As the legend goes, it was on this day that Lord Brahma started the creation of the Universe. He began this momentous work by introducing years, months, weeks, and days to keep a track of time. It is for this reason, that Ugadi is also referred to as the day of the beginning of a new age. As per Hindu texts, Yugaadikrit, one of the many names of Lord Vishnu, was the creator of Yugas or ages. Thus, Telugu and Kannadiga people seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and pray for happiness, good fortune, and prosperity in their lives.
Ugadi is also the day on which Lord Krishna left the world. This beginning of a new age has been described by Maharishi Vedavyasa as Yesmin Krishno Divamvyataha, Tasmat Eeva Pratipannam Kaliyugam.
Date, Time & Venue of Ugadi 2024
Ugadi celebrations coincide with the pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. The festival is celebrated in major states of South India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The date symbolizes the beginning of the new age. Today, this festival is celebrated all over the world by Indians settled abroad.
Major Attractions Of the Ugadi Festival 2024
Ugadi, the beginning of the new age is a popular festival, predominantly celebrated in Southern Indian states. There are a lot of rituals and traditions associated with this festival. Here are some of the major attractions of the Ugadi festival. This popular Indian festival gives various reasons to people to celebrate the upcoming year in various ways.
House Decoration
With the onset of this festival, people wake up early, clean their houses, decorate them with flowers, and wear new clothes. The Mango leaves festoons are tied to the doors.
Making of Ugadi Chutney
There is even a special sauce for this special occasion, known as Ugadi chutney in the local language, which is called Ugadi Pachadi. This chutney is kept in front of the deity of the house while performing Puja rituals. Pachadi is a combination of almost all the flavors - like it is sweet, a bit sour, salty, bitter, and spicy too. As per the local culture, it is a symbolic reminder that a person should expect every kind of flavor from life and make the most out of what life gives them. After the Puja, people enjoy a hearty meal together.
Rangoli Making
On this day, the householders also draw beautiful rangolis and exchange gifts with each other.
Visit Temples
Apart from this, people also indulge in charity events and visit temples. People also prepare various dishes like Pachadi which is a festive food for the festival of Ugadi.
How To Reach Amravathi for Ugadi 2024
Amravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh witnesses Ugadi festival celebrations on a grand scale. Since it is the capital of the state, it is easily accessible through diverse modes of transport. To visit here, check out the details given below.
- Nearest Major City. Hyderabad
- Nearest Airport. Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport, Amravathi
- Nearest Railway Station. Amravathi Railway Station
- Distance from Hyderabad. 511.6 km
By Air. The nearest airport from Amravathi is Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport. After deboarding, hire a cab or look for other means of public transport to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport. 15.5 km
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By Train. Visiting Amravathii via train is also an affordable and feasible option, the nearest railway station being Amravathi Railway Station. Major Indian cities would have direct trains to Amravathi Railway Station.
- Distance from Amravathi Railway Station. 600 m
By Road. Depending upon your location, you can also plan a trip to Amravathi by road, too. You can either take your vehicle or may even choose a bus (government or private). Otherwise, you can also take a taxi to reach here.
- Distance from Akola. 81 km
- Distance from Nagpur. 142 km
- Distance from Burhanpur. 163 km
- Distance from Chandrapur. 195 km
- Distance from Nanded. 202 km
- Distance from Parbhani. 211km
- Distance from Delhi. 1850.8 km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 654.6 km
- Distance from Mumbai. 1004.4 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1229 km
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ugadi Festival 2024?
Q 1. Why is Ugadi Festival celebrated?
A 1. Observed as the New Year’s Day of the Hindus of Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar in the month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of March or April. This Indian festival marks the onset of joy, happiness, hope, and light.
Q 2. What is the meaning of Ugadi?
A 2. The word Ugadi is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Yuga” meaning age, and “adi” meaning, the beginning. In simple words, it means the beginning of a new age.
Q 3. How is Ugadi Festival celebrated?
A 3. This popular Indian festival gives various reasons to people to celebrate the upcoming year in various ways. With the onset of this festival, people wake up early, clean their houses, decorate them with flowers, and wear new clothes. The Mango leaves festoons are tied to the doors. There is even a special sauce for this special occasion, known as chutney in the local language, which is called Ugadi Pachadi. This chutney is kept in front of the deity of the house while performing Puja rituals. After the Puja, people enjoy a hearty meal together.
Q 4. When is the Ugadi Festival celebrated?
A 4. Ugadi celebrations coincide with the pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. The festival is celebrated in major states of South India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
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