“Yuga Yugaadi Kaledaru Yugadi Marali Baruthide
Hosa Varushake Hosa Harushava Hosathu Hosathu Taruthide”
These few verses from the popular poem penned by the renowned Kannada poet of all times Da.Ra. Bendre very well signifies the importance of Ugadi celebrations.
Today is Chandramana Ugadi, a great day for Hindu brethren who are celebrating the festival with great fervor. Leaving the past behind and starting afresh with positive thinking and expectations is one of the key aspects of this festival. Hindus all over Karnataka, and also in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are celebrating this festival with great religious fervor and welcome the New Year in the Hindu lunar calendar. Ugadi is also a time to pledge to accept both the joys and sorrows ahead in life with the right spirit, a message effectively conveyed through the consumption of Bevu-Bella, Neem and Jaggery. It’s here that the real significance of Ugadi lies.
The poem by Da. Ra. Bendre beautifully describes Ugadi which arrives every year, with new hopes and new aspirations filling lives 
with joy. Ugadi is not just a time for celebrations but also a time to pray to the Almighty for Peace, Happiness and Prosperity. Every festival celebrated in this holy land has its virtues, values and rituals distinct to the cultural diversity of India and so is the case with Ugadi celebrations.
Legend : The word ‘Ugadi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuga’ and ‘Aadi’ meaning era and beginning. According to Hindu Mythology it was on this day that Brahma, the creator began a series of wonderful creations including earth and life on it. Legend also has it that it was on this day that Lord Krishna shed his mortal coil signifying the end of the Dwapara Yuga and commencement of Kali Yuga.
Chandramana Ugadi, thus marks the beginning of a new era for the people in the Deccan region of India. Ugadi also marks the onset of spring, the season of joy, growth and prosperity. It’s this season, the first of all seasons that ushers in new life on earth with plants, shoots, and leaves coming to life. The day is thus considered an auspicious day to make new beginnings and ventures and therefore, the day is believed to set things rolling for the better. Ugadi is celebrated on two different days. Chandramana Ugadi is celebrated on the bright fortnight (‘Shukla Paksha’) of the first month (‘Chaitra Masa’) in the first season of the year i.e., spring (‘Vasanta Ruthu), Sauramana Ugadi is celebrated when the Sun enters the Mesha Rashi.
Every member of the household will be bubbling with confidence and enthusiasm during this festival. Dressed in new clothes, they offer prayers to the Almighty to give them the strength and courage to face all the challenges in life boldly and with equal confidence.
Special rituals, poojas and prayers are also held in temples to mark this auspicious day, seeking the welfare of mankind.
Special delicacies are prepared and dishes like puliyogare, holige, payasa are a must on the festive menu apart from the regular rice, sambar. Prior to savouring the Ugadi lunch, jaggery, mango pieces and neem flowers served to God is had as prasadam, signifying that life was a combination of sweet, sour and bitter moments. It’s a day when the family comes together and enjoys the festivities, by sinking all differences.
Ugadi is not just a festival, it’s a day which binds minds and hearts together and builds bridges of bonding between people. The joy of togetherness is felt in this festival that ushers in new hopes and new aspirations. Ugadi is also an occasion to wish one’s near and dear ones the best of things in life. Let the Festival spread Happiness and the Fragrance of Universal Brotherhood all around.