Ugadi Celebrations

March 23^rd (Friday)

Panchangam (New Year Predictions) recital @ 7:00 pm

The New Year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a New Year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the Moon's orbit. It is a day when Mantras are chanted and predictions made for the New Year. Traditionally, the Panchangasravanam or listening to the yearly calendar is done at the temples.

It is a season for raw Mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed Neem tree that makes the air healthy. Jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi. "Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces, neem flowers and new tamarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!

Co-ordinators:

Ram Mallipeddi         702-234-7637
Vijay Chejerla             317-590-4403