Although observed with great fervour in the Deccan region of India, in the coastal belt of Karnataka it is mostly the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins who celebrate Ugadi, for people in Tulunadu follow customs and traditions different from the rest. It is a day when family and friends get together and pray for general well-being. Family members clean the house thoroughly and decorate it with mango 'toranas' and 'rangolis'.
In Tulunadu, most people celebrate the Souramana Ugadi, popularly known as Bisu. Falling on April 14 this year, this festival celebrated by Tuluvas marks the beginning of the year according to the solar calendar.
Celebrated by Gowd Saraswat Brahmins and those having settled in Mangalore from the region of Mysore, Ugadi is a time to start the new year afresh with new hopes and expectations. There is a festive mood in the air as families get together and celebrate the festival in a traditional way. Inseparable from the festival are items such as Bevu-bella, Neem leaves and jaggery, which is shared and consumed with great zeal by young and old alike. The day is also marked by the reading of the panchanga (the yearly calendar) and greeting one another.
Derived from the Sankrit words 'Yuga' and 'Aadi' meaning era and beginning, Ugadi literally means the beginning of a new era and is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings and ventures. Legend has it that the creator Brahma began his series of creations on this day. Hence, the day is believed to set things moving towards the better.
Dressed in new clothes, each member of the family is filled with enthusiasm during this day. Seeking the welfare of loved ones, special rituals, poojas and prayers are offered in temples by families to mark this auspicious day.
Household members visit the temple, followed by the recital of the panchanga and forecast for the entire year ahead. Special dishes are prepared and served on this special day such as tender cashew upkari, mango upkari, podi and payasam which are greatly savoured by all during lunch.
Comments
Add new comment