Ugadi Festival is the traditional New Year celebration for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It usually falls in March or April, marking the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar (Chaitra month).
The word Ugadi comes from “Yuga + Aadi”, meaning the beginning of a new age. People celebrate by cleaning and decorating their homes, drawing rangoli (muggu), wearing new clothes, and preparing special dishes like Ugadi Pachadi — a mixture of six tastes symbolizing the different emotions of life (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy).
Ugadi signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness, and is celebrated with prayers, cultural programs, and family gatherings.