Ugadi is here and Bangaloreans who celebrate the festival are preparing in full swing for the new year.

Sprucing up the house, adorning it with rangoli, buying new clothes and family get-together are all part of the celebrations. Kannadigas, Teluguites and Marathis (Gudi Padwa) who mainly celebrate the festival tell Metrolife about the significance and their preparations for the festival.

Savithri Raghunath, a home-maker, says that the new year marks new
beginnings.

“Any good job is begun on or after Ugadi, which we feel is an auspicious start. Both Ugadi and the day after it, which is called Varshatadaku, are marked with an elaborate spread of dishes as well as fresh starts. For instance, every student is told to study on Varshatadaku, which is believed to keep the student focussed on his or her academics throughout the year.” Savithri points out that mavinkai chitrana (raw mango rice) and obattu are the main dishes prepared for
Ugadi.

“Previously, mangoes were used for the first time only on Ugadi. The festival marked the beginning of the mango season,” she explains.
   Ramya K, a lecturer, says that this Ugadi is extra special since it is the last one she will be celebrating at her parents’ house.

   “The celebrations are on a grand scale. There will be many dishes prepared for the occasion. We will prepare all the specialities fresh on the day of the festival. Many of my relatives will be coming home for the festival,” she says, adding, “We are cleaning every nook and corner of the house. And of course, there’s a lot of shopping going on.”

   Having lived in Bangalore, Keerthi, a professional, who celebrates all South Indian festivals says that the celebrations are there for ten days in her house.
“We do it on a mini-scale. For nine days after Ugadi, we do a puja on a daily basis and offer fruits and dry fruit to the deity. We also call people over for meals and distribute gifts. For us, it’s that time of the year, when we bond with family and friends,” she
explains.

Sajjan, the manager of Soch on MG Road, says that business is brisk this season. “Most of our customers are opting for traditional wear and there is a lot of demand. What’s in vogue this season are silk saris, half-and-half saris and velvet saris,” he says. 

Praveen, the manager of Navratan Silks on MG Road, says that compared to the previous festivals, people are purchasing enthusiastically this time.    “Silk is a fast-moving item considering that it is being purchased for the festival,”
he says.