Indian Festivals
Ugadi 2024: The Hindu New Year of Renewal and New Beginnings
Jan
The sun in the east wishes Happy New Year on this day. The flowers bloom and spread fragrances to welcome the new year. The melody of the birds, the feast of the plant products… This is the beginning of the Indian New Year, Yugadi or Ugadi. The festive term Yugadi is made up of two words yuga and aadi, which means the beginning of the yuga varsha. Before we welcome Ugadi 2024, let us know this Hindu New Year.
The mythology behind the Hindu calendar new year:
When it comes to the Hindu calendar New Year and its roots in mythology, there are two main narratives that emerge. The first mythological explanation connects the Hindu New Year to the creation of the universe itself. According to the Brahma Purana, the first day of the Chaitra month marks the dawn of a new Kalpa, a cosmic cycle spanning millions of years. This day symbolizes the moment Brahma, the creator god, began the process of creation, breathing life into the universe. This link ties the New Year to the grand cycle of time and the eternal renewal of existence, echoing the concept of cyclical time often prevalent in Hindu myths.
The Victory of King Vikramaditya is also associated with the celebration of the festival Yugadi. The legend traces it back to the legendary King Vikramaditya, a valiant ruler known for his wisdom and justice. He is said to have defeated the Saka invaders who ruled parts of India in the 1st century BCE. To mark this momentous victory and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, Vikramaditya instituted the Vikram Samvat calendar, with the first year commencing from the day of his conquest. This narrative reflects the link between new beginnings, triumph over adversity, and the establishment of a righteous order, all themes deeply embedded in Hindu mythology.
Ugadi Date and Muhurat- 2024:
If you’re wondering, ‘When is Ugadi celebrated?” Find your answers within the contents of this blog. Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This typically falls in late March or early April on the Gregorian calendar.
In 2024, Ugadi will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9th. Here’s some information about the auspicious time (“muhurta”) for Ugadi celebrations:
Ugadi Muhurat in 2024:
Panchang Sravanam Muhurat:
- Begins at 6:15 AM IST.
- Lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes, till 9:00 AM IST.
- Ugadi Tithi (Date): Begins at 3:33 AM IST on April 9th and lasts till 3:32 AM IST on April 10th.
- Sunrise Muhurat: 6:02 AM IST.
The Panchang Sravanam muhurat is considered the most auspicious time to read the astrological almanac for the new year. Many individuals and families perform puja (prayers) during this time. Some also consider the sunrise muhurat as a good time to start new ventures or make important decisions.
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Ugadi delicacies:
Ugadi is a time for celebration, and food is a big part of that. There are many traditional dishes that are served on Ugadi, each with its own special significance. For example, Panchamruta is a unique drink that is made with five ingredients: milk, jaggery, curd, ghee, and honey. Apart from this traditional naivedyam, a few add dry fruits, fruits to enhance the taste. Panchamruta is believed to bring good health and prosperity for the new year.
As India is renowned for its unity in diversity, the festival Ugadi is celebrated under different names, yet with the same bedrock of happiness welcoming the new year. Here list of the states with the festive names, significance, and Ugadi dishes.
| State | Ugadi Name | Significance | Ugadi Dishes |
| Karnataka | Yugadi | Marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar | Obbattu/ Holige, Bevu Bella, Mango Pachadi |
| Andhra Pradesh | Ugadi | Celebrates the Telugu New Year and spring festival | Bobbatlu, Pulihora, Pachadi, Payasam |
| Telangana | Ugadi | Telugu New Year, significant cultural festivities | Same as Andhra Pradesh |
| Maharashtra | Gudi Padwa | Maharashtrian New Year, symbolized by Gudi (flag) | Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Poori Bhaji, Shrikhand Puri |
| Konkan region | Gudi Padwa | Celebrated as the Konkani New Year | Same as Maharashtra |
| Tamil Nadu | Puthandu | Marks the Tamil New Year with traditional rituals | Mango Pachadi, Neem Flower Rasam, Vadai |
| Kerala | Vishu | Malayalam New Year, involves the Vishukkani ritual | Vishu Katta, Vishu Kanji, Thoran, Mango Pachadi |
| Punjab | Baisakhi | Harvest festival, also marks the Sikh New Year | Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag, Kheer, Jalebi |
| Assam | Bohag Bihu | Assamese New Year, celebrated with cultural events | Pitha, Laru, Sunga Pitha, Assam Laksa |
| West Bengal | Poila Boishakh | Bengali New Year, marked by cultural festivities | Panta Bhat, Shorshe Ilish, Mishti Doi, Sandesh |
| Gujarat | Bestu Varas | Gujarati New Year, celebrated with prayers and family time | Undhiyu, Jalebi, Fafda, Srikhand |
| Odisha | Maha Vishuba Sankranti | Odiya New Year, marks the solar new year | Pana, Chenna Poda, Dalma, Khiri |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Navreh | Kashmiri Hindu New Year, observed with rituals | Modur Pulaav, Nadru Monje, Sheer Korma |
| Himachal Pradesh | Chaitti | Celebrated in the Chamba region, marking the New Year | Sidu, Kaale Chane ka Khatta, Sidu |
| Rajasthan | Marwari New Year | Signifies the beginning of the Marwari calendar year | Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Moong Dal Halwa |
| Madhya Pradesh | Hindi New Year | Observed in certain regions, signifies the Hindi New Year | Poha, Shrikhand, Sabudana Khichdi, Kheer |
Also read: Marriage prediction according to Date of Birth
The Rituals of Ugadi Festival:
The rituals of Ugadi vary based on the cultural practices, yet regardless few rituals are quite common in most of the states.
Panchanga Sravanam: This is the ritual of reading the astrological almanac for the new year. It is believed that the Panchanga provides guidance and insights into the year ahead.
Pooja: Devotees offer prayers to deities, seeking blessings and prosperity for the coming year.
Bevu-Bella: This ritual involves tasting a mixture of six different tastes – neem, jaggery, salt, tamarind, chili, and coconut– reminding us to face life’s diverse experiences with acceptance and resilience.
Rangoli: Colorful rangolis are drawn on the floor in front of homes and temples. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Predictions for the Year: Astrologers are often consulted on Ugadi for predictions and guidance for the coming year. If you are curious to know about your year predictions consult PujaNPujari Astrologers.
Apart from these regular rituals people also enjoy the following on the Yugadi day.
Gudi Hoysala: In Karnataka, a colorful flag called “Gudi” is hoisted, symbolizing victory and new beginnings.
Family gatherings: Ugadi is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. It is a time to celebrate the new year and to reflect on the past year.
Wearing New Clothes: It is common for people to wear new clothes on Ugadi, symbolizing a fresh start and the shedding of the old.
Charitable Acts: Many individuals engage in charitable activities on Ugadi, reflecting the spirit of giving and kindness.
The Spiritual Significance of Ugadi lies in the cultural rituals and welcoming the new year hand in hand with nature. It is the perfect combination of the beautiful blooming nature, tasty feast, cultural celebration, and spiritual value. Now you can buy Yugadi products and spiritual items from PujaNPujari website to welcome Hindu new Year Yugadi. You can also contact expert astrologers, and numerologists to know your year prediction. You can also book skilled pandits to perform Ugadi Pooja at your home. For more details visit pujanpujari.com.
Also read : Yearly Horoscope 2024: Horoscope Guiding the Path of New Year
Is their Any difference between Ugadhi and Gudipadwa?
why is Gudipadwa will be celebrated on the same ugadi date?
Good to know about the coming new year Ugadi and of course entering Plava Nama Samvatsara. Very happy to see the Panchangam videos in advance.
Ugadi 2021, waiting for it. Thank you lot of good info and knowledge
why we call ugadi 2021 as chandramana ugadi
which puja is has to perform on this Chandramana 2021 ugadi festival ?
On this 2021 ugadi festival date, what’s the best time to perform the puja ?
What is the Importance Of Ugadi on 2021?
I am staying in Andhra Pradesh, which subh muhurat is perfect for Ugadi pooja?
What will be the exact timing as per Kannada Ugadi in 2022?
Can anyone tell me subhakritu year meaning?
Hi, I am Manish staying in Rajasthan, which is subh muharat is perfect here for chandramana ugadi 2022?