Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year and is widely celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This festival signifies the start of a new Samvatsara, a cycle of sixty years, each identified by a unique name. In 2025, Ugadi falls on Sunday, March 30, marking the beginning of the Telugu Shaka Samvat 1947.
Ugadi 2025: Date and Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| Telugu Shaka Samvat | 1947 Begins |
| Ugadi | Sunday, March 30, 2025 |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 04:27 PM on Mar 29, 2025 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 12:49 PM on Mar 30, 2025 |
Ugadi is deeply rooted in the Luni-Solar calendar, which considers both the Moon and the Sun's positions to determine months and days. In contrast, the Solar calendar, followed in other regions, considers only the Sun's position. Due to this distinction, the Hindu New Year is celebrated at different times across India under different names. While Ugadi is observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, it is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Vaisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Odisha, and Naba Barsha in West Bengal.
Rituals and Traditions
The day begins with a ritual oil bath, which is believed to cleanse and purify the body and soul. Devotees also perform special prayers and pujas to seek divine blessings for the new year. One of the most significant traditions of Ugadi is consuming Neem leaves, which symbolizes embracing life’s bitter and sweet experiences with balance and acceptance.
Ugadi and Chaitra Navratri
While Ugadi is not traditionally celebrated in North India, the festival coincides with the start of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. In some regions, people observe the custom of eating Neem leaves mixed with Mishri (sugar) on the first day of Navratri, similar to the Ugadi tradition.
Ugadi is a time of joy and renewal. Homes are cleaned and decorated with fresh mango leaves and rangolis. Families prepare and share Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish made with ingredients representing different flavors of life—sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. It symbolizes the essence of human emotions and experiences throughout the year.
The festival is also marked by cultural events, processions, and Panchanga Shravanam, where astrologers predict the fortunes of the upcoming year based on the new Samvatsara.
Ugadi is more than just a New Year celebration; it is a festival of hope, renewal, and gratitude. Whether through traditional rituals, festive meals, or prayers, this day reminds people to welcome the new year with positivity and resilience. As Ugadi 2025 approaches, it is time to embrace fresh beginnings and celebrate with faith and enthusiasm.
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