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The entire world welcomes a new year on January 1, but Indian communities celebrate it in later months. For example, Gudi Padwa is Marathi and Konkan New Year, Vishu is celebrated by communities in Kerala, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated by people in West Bengal, Puthandu is the Tamilian New Year, and Ugadi is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
In the Deccan region, this festival signifies a cultural blend. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Astrologers study the positions of the Sun and Moon, marking the beginning of the new lunar cycle.
Ugadi 2025: Date, Time, And Significance
Ugadi marks the arrival of spring, which signifies new beginnings. It is believed to kickstart the season for prosperity and growth, especially for the farming community. Not only do people clean their homes, but they also decorate them, wear new clothes, perform venerations, and communities gather to celebrate.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma is believed to have started the creation of this universe on Ugadi. Astrologers believe that planetary confluence on this day can have a significant impact on one’s life.
Ugadi will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The auspicious time will begin on March 29, 2025, at 4:27 pm and will culminate on March 30, 2025, at 12:49 pm. If you follow traditional rituals, you must complete them in this period.
Ugadi Traditional Food Preparation
Pulihora
Pulihora is a tangy South Indian rice preparation in which grains are cooked with tamarind and other regional spices. It has peanuts that make the recipe protein-rich, and it is a must-have on the festive spread. This comforting rice preparation can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you have a busy weekday or a relaxing weekend, you can prepare it in under 30 minutes.
Puran Poli
Obattu or puran poli is another delightful preparation that graces the feast on Ugadi. It is a sweet flatbread made by stuffing the dough with a variety of fillings comprising jaggery, coconut, and more. You can create different variations of this delight and make the repast irresistible for friends and family.
Ugadi Pachadi
Pachadi is the centre of the festive spread during Ugadi celebrations. It is prepared using sour tamarind, sweet jaggery, salt, spicy chilli powder, bitter neem leaves, and zesty mangoes. The different notes of the chutney symbolise experience in life, and how a person must sail through these ups and downs. It complements the main dishes as well as the starters.
Mango Rice
While Ugadi marks the onset of spring, in reality, soaring temperatures indicate summer. Right now, mango is ruling the farmers’ markets across India, and this unique festive preparation is a must-cook. The rice preparation boasts sweet and sourness from the fruit, while the spices elevate the flavour profile and make it a hit among guests.
Payasam
Any celebration in India seems incomplete without sweets, especially payasam. Made from milk, jaggery, nuts, rice or vermicelli, and flavour enhancers like saffron and cardamom, it completes the meal. This dessert is also offered to Gods and Goddesses while seeking blessings from them.
