Heralding a new year

'Ugadi' festivities

The streets are buzzing with activity and the markets are overflowing with people shopping. With yet another ‘Ugadi’ here, the excitement is palpable and evident in voices of Bengalureans.

For Aparna Shankar, a Kannadiga, the day is all about food and fun. “After the morning rituals, we prepare ‘Bevu Bella’, which is symbolic of the different flavours of life — ‘neem’ signifies bitterness and jaggery, the sweet moments,” she says. Aparna usually spends the day with family members. “Everyone celebrates in their own way. For me, it is about being with people I am close to.”

Like many others, Roopa Shankar, a businesswoman, too welcomes the year in the company of her near and dear ones. “‘Ugadi’ marks the beginning of the year. Since it is the holiday season, it is fun to have children around and there is enthusiasm in the air.” Comparing the festivities in the past and now, she says they have mellowed down. “We decorate the house with mango leaves and we just sit back and enjoy.”

 New clothes are also a major aspect of the celebrations. “This is also the day when we cook an elaborate meal and have friends over,” she says. Roopa adds that they also conduct games and gamble sometimes. “This is just a way of engaging everyone.”

Shubha Nagendra, a fashion designer, recollects huge family gatherings as a child. She says that the festival day has become more personal now. “As a youngster, I remember around 60 to 70 people in the house with young children running around. The elders would sit and chat.” She says that the day is about realising that life is a mixture of moments. “It is important to strike a balance in life.”

Other communities also have a grand celebration today. Poonam Gupta from Maharashtra says that she and her family celebrate ‘Gudi Padwa’ on this day. “The best part of the celebrations is having ‘Puran Poli’. For us, the festivities are not only about pampering the sweet tooth, but also sharing fruits and sweets with neighbours and friends. Sharing the festive spirit is very important,” says Poonam.

She adds that “people insist on having happy family moments on this day” as this signifies a happy year ahead. “Start anything with positivity and that will follow. We make sure to remember that bygones are bygones. The new year brings in new aspirations and hope,” she explains. “Buying something new is a must for the festival. Since shopping for clothes is a regular thing now, I buy household items,” she says. 

For Lakshmi Nemmani, a Telugite, the festival is all about counting one’s blessings and ushering in new beginnings. “This time is called the ‘Chaitra Masam’ and ‘Ugadi’ is celebrated as the new year day. After the morning rituals, we offer a watery mixture of neem flower, jaggery, raw mango and tamarind in ‘puja’, along with coconut, betelnut and fruits. The ‘Panchangam’ is also kept with this,” she says.

Lakshmi says that having the watery mixture on an empty stomach is like marking a healthy beginning too. “Since neem and all the other ingredients are good for the summer, consuming this mixture is also assumed to be healthy for the body.”

She adds that it is also the day to meet elders and seek their blessings. “This is believed to bring in positive energy for the year ahead,” says Lakshmi.