Ugadi ఉగాది
March–April (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — Telugu New Year)
About Ugadi
Ugadi (ఉగాది) is the Telugu New Year — the first day of Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar. The name derives from Yuga (era) + Adi (beginning).
Ugadi Pachadi
The defining Ugadi tradition is Ugadi Pachadi — a chutney made of six tastes: neem flowers (bitterness — sorrow), raw mango (sourness — challenges), tamarind (tangy — surprise), jaggery (sweetness — happiness), green chilli (spice — anger), and salt (saltiness — fear). The six tastes represent the full range of experiences expected in the year ahead.
Panchanga Sravanam
The Panchanga (almanac) reading — predicting events for the coming year — is read aloud at temples and broadcast on Telugu TV channels. Prominent astrologers present the Ugadi Panchanga.
Telangana Variations
Telangana Ugadi celebrations emphasise jonna rotte (sorghum flatbread), local seasonal produce, and community gatherings at temples. The Bhagyalakshmi temple in Charminar draws large Ugadi crowds.