Ugadi 2021

Ugadi 2021

It is that time of the year when every part of the country is gearing up to usher in the new year. The celebrations begin with Ugadi. Ugadi is observed with great enthusiasm by people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Ugadi means ‘the beginning of a new age’. This year it falls on April 13.

Ugadi 2021 is the beginning of the Telugu Shaka Samvat 1943, according to the drikpanchang.com. In neighbouring Maharashtra, Ugadiis celebrated as Gudi Padwa or the Marathi New Year. Ugadi is marked on the first day of the Shukla Paksha or Full Moon phase of Chaitra. Ugadi, the grand New Year day, is all about new beginnings and aspirations that is symbolic of the spring season. According to legends, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, engaged in his work on Ugadi. This is also the time marking the home-coming of Lord Rama. During Ugadi, people gather and enjoy traditional food and exchange gifts. It is also a day when the younger members of the family seek the blessings of the elders. This is the second consecutive year that a host of Indian New Years are being marked amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

During the next day or two, states across India will celebrate Hindu New Year based on the Solar calendar. Tamil Nadu will celebrate Puthandu, Bihu will be celebrated in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Orissa and Poila Baishakh in West Bengal. In North Indian states, the nine-day Chaitra Navratri will start.