Ugadi Subhakankshalu !!!

శ్రీ నందన నామ ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు !!!

Ugadi is celebrated in the Southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and in the South-Western state of Maharashtra as Gudi Padwa.

Ugadi marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year. It also brings happiness with the onset of Vasanth Ruthu (Spring). Ugadi name has been changed from Yugaaadi means the aadi(beginning) of new(Kali)Yuga.

According to Hindu myths, Lord Brahma created the earth and set days, nights, dates, weeks, fortnights, months, seasons, and years to count the time. Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. Yugadi falls on Chaitra Shudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. It is a day when mantras are chanted and predictions made for the new year.

The Telugu people celebrate the festival by performing the puja and savouring the Ugadi pachadi, a specific mixture of - Neem Buds/Flowers for bitterness, Raw Mango for tang, Tamarind Juice for sourness, Chilli powder for heat, Jaggery for sweetness, Pinch of Salt for saltiness. This mixture with all six tastes or shadaruchulu, called "Ugadi Pachadi" which symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise), which should be accepted together and with equanimity. A delicious lunch comprising of Garellu, Mamidikaya Pulihora, Bobbatlu, Payasam(Kheer), Mamidikaya Pappu etc. follows.

How to prepare Ugadi Pachadi:
Cooking Time 20 min
Serves 2 - 3 Persons

Ingredients:

Raw mango pieces	1/2 cup
Neem flowers	1 tsp
Jaggery (grated)	1/2 - 1 tbsp
Tamarind Juice	1 cup
Banana pieces	1/2
Red chilli pwd	As Needed
Salt	To Taste

Photo: Ugadi Pachadi, Mamidikaya Pulihora, Semiya Payasam, Coconut, Bananas, Sugarcane

Process:

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make the Ugadi pachadi.

Note:  Soak 1 lemon sized Tamarind in 1 cup water to prepare tamarind juice.