Ugadi 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat And All You Need To Know

Ugadi follows the Luni-Solar calendar, which takes into account both the positions of the Moon and the Sun to determine months and days.

Ugadi 2024: All You Need To Know

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Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, marks the commencement of the new year for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It signifies the beginning of a new Samvatsara, a cycle of sixty years, each identified by a unique name. Ugadi follows the Luni-Solar calendar, which takes into account both the positions of the Moon and the Sun to determine months and days. This differs from the Solar calendar, which relies solely on the Sun's position. Consequently, the Hindu new year is observed twice, with different names and at different times.

The new year according to the Solar calendar is known as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Vaisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Orissa, and Naba Barsha in West Bengal. In Maharashtra, Ugadi is celebrated as Gudi Padwa, coinciding with the same day.

Ugadi 2024: Time

Telugu Shaka Samvat 1946 Begins

Ugadi on Tuesday, April 9, 2024

• Pratipada Tithi Begins - 11:50 PM on Apr 08, 2024
• Pratipada Tithi Ends - 08:30 PM on Apr 09, 2024

Ugadi 2024: History

According to Hindu scriptures and mythology, it is believed that Ugadi marks the day when Lord Brahma initiated the creation of the Universe. Lord Brahma created years, weeks, days, and months to measure time, making Ugadi the symbolic beginning of this cosmic process.

Ugadi 2024: Rituals

Preparation for the festival begins over a week in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes with flowers and rangolis. Houses are purified with cow dung water, and mango leaves are hung on doors for good fortune. On the day of Ugadi, people take a holy bath, offer prayers, and perform rituals for a prosperous year ahead.

Special dishes like 'Bobbatlu' and 'Pulihora' are prepared, along with the traditional 'Ugadi Pachchadi / Bevu Bella,' symbolizing the diverse flavours of life.

Cultural events such as plays and poetry recitals are organised, and people gather for 'Panchanga Shravanam' to hear forecasts for the new year. It is believed that listening to the Panchanga brings divine blessings, and offering new clothes to the reader is considered a gesture of gratitude.

Ugadi 2024: Significance

As Ugadi marks the commencement of Lord Brahma's creation of the universe, it holds great significance for starting new ventures, construction projects, important deals, and purchases of assets and jewellery.