A new day brings new hope, new beginnings, and new aspirations. Ugadi originates from the Sanskrit word “Yugadi.” Yug means “Period” or “an era,” and “Adi” means “The beginning.” Therefore, Ugadi means the “beginning of a new period or era.” The festival falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, also known as “Chaitra Shudha Pratipada,” and generally corresponds with the English month of March or April. It is widely observed as the Telugu New Year and is celebrated along the Deccan region of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. It is an auspicious day to begin a new venture, construct a new home or workplace, sign important deals, purchase gold and silver, take delivery of a new vehicle, and more.

Significance of Ugadi

It is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation of the cosmos on this auspicious day. This makes Ugadi the first day of time and the universe. Parabramha, or the creator of the universe, is worshipped on this day. Lord Vishnu created the yugas and is honoured as Yugaadikrit. Chaitra Navaratri, also known as Vasanta Navaratri, begins on this day. The nine-day celebration concludes with Shri Ram Navami, on which Lord Rama, the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born.

Astronomically, a new cycle begins on Ugadi. The northern hemisphere gets 21 days of sunlight because of the Earth’s tilt starting Ugadi. It is the recharging time for Mother Earth to regenerate with the sun’s energy. As a result, Mother Nature blooms with the onset of spring. Fresh leaves and shoots start emerging, and she will eventually be covered in a blanket of greenery.

In a way, Ugadi is all about leaving behind the past and welcoming a new era, new beginnings, and a fresh start with optimistic hopes and expectations.

Preparations and Celebrations

Preparations for Ugadi begin days in advance, starting with thorough spring cleaning to remove clutter and invite positivity. Traditionally, homes were coated with a layer of cow dung for purification; today, this is replaced with fresh paint and décor. People buy new clothes, prepare festive dishes, and often purchase gold, silver, or other valuables to mark an auspicious new beginning.

On Ugadi, people wake up before sunrise and begin the day with a ceremonial oil bath, symbolising purification. Women apply turmeric paste to their feet, and elders place kumkum on everyone’s forehead as a blessing. The pooja room is then cleaned, and idols are given an “abhyanga snanam” (ritual oil bath), followed by rituals such as abhishekam, alankaram, naivedyam, and mangal aarti.

Homes, temples, and shops are decorated with fresh mango leaves, flowers, and colourful rangoli designs. Families offer prayers to the rising sun and visit temples to seek blessings. Charity, or daanam, is also an important part of the celebrations.

Ugadi Pachhadi - Meaning & How to Prepare

A key tradition is consuming Ugadi Pacchidi (also known as Bevu-Bella), a mixture of neem, jaggery, tamarind, raw mango, chilli, and salt. This represents the six flavours (Shadruchulu) and symbolises the different experiences of life. Festive dishes like pulihora, garelu, bobbatlu, and payasam are prepared and offered to the deities before being shared with family.

The day also includes Panchanga Shravanam, where the new year’s almanac is read to predict the year ahead. Celebrations conclude with families exchanging sweets and savouries with friends, relatives, and neighbours.

Festivities across India

Ugadi is mainly celebrated along the Deccan plateau. The southern states are along the banks of the Cauveri River and the Vindhyachal ranges. However, the celebration is observed in other parts of the country under different names.

• Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka usher in the New Year with Udagi or Yugadi. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It holds great significance and relevance in life, where yearly expectations of well-being, happiness, prosperity, and growth are welcomed. The tradition of rangoli, charity, regular baths, food, and festivities remains more or less the same across the three states. One can book APSRTC or TSRTC buses to reach Ugadi venues during the festival.
• In regions like Maharashtra, Mangalore, and Goa, the Hindu New Year is celebrated on the same day as Ugadi as Gudi Padwa or Sanvsar Padwa. A “Gudi” (decorated flag) is ceremonially erected and worshipped, symbolising victory and prosperity, followed by festive celebrations with family, food, and joy.
• Manipur celebrates the new year on the same day as Ugadi. “Sajibu Nongma Panba” or “Meetei Cheraoba” is celebrated with huge fanfare. An elaborate feast is prepared, offered to the deities, and distributed among the community. Hillock climbing and other traditional rituals are also observed.
• Sindhis celebrate the day as “Cheti Chand,” Rajasthanis as “Thapna,” and Kashmiri Pandits as “Navreh,” while Hindus of Bali and Indonesia commemorate the day as Nyepi.
• The festival of Ugadi holds special significance in people's lives. Its importance is deep-rooted in ancient beliefs and age-old practices.

Ugadi 2026

Ugadi 2026 falls on March 19th. Schools will observe a holiday in certain states. The elaborate festivities are worth experiencing.

redBus offers travel services to major destinations across the country. Enjoy Ugadi festivities with your loved ones by booking tickets and travelling comfortably. redBus wishes you and your loved ones a pleasant and prosperous Ugadi 2026. Make your Ugadi a memorable celebration by booking your bus tickets through redBus.