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Ugadi falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the first day of the Hindu lunar new year in the Deccan region. The main puja is performed during the morning hours (Purva Madhyahna) between 6 AM and 12 PM. The Panchanga Sravanam (listening to the new year's almanac) should be done during this window. Abhyanga Snana (oil bath) is taken before sunrise.
On this sacred day of Ugadi, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the beginning of the new Samvatsara, I perform this puja seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma the creator and Lord Vishnu the sustainer, for a year filled with prosperity, good health, and happiness. I embrace all six flavours of life — sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent, and astringent — with equanimity.
Before sunrise, apply warm sesame oil all over the body and head. Massage thoroughly for at least 15 minutes. Then take a warm water bath. This is a cherished Ugadi tradition — the oil bath purifies the body, improves circulation, and prepares you for the new year with renewed vigour. Apply kumkum on the forehead after the bath. Wear new clothes.
Tie fresh mango leaf torana (festoon) at the main entrance of the house. This is an essential Ugadi tradition symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. Draw colourful rangoli (muggu/kolam) designs at the doorstep using rice flour and coloured powders. Clean the puja room and set up the altar with a fresh white cloth. Place the Panchanga (new year almanac) on the altar.
Prepare the Ugadi Pachadi — a special dish containing six tastes (Shadrasa) that symbolize the six emotions of life. Mix neem flowers/leaves (bitter — sadness), jaggery (sweet — happiness), raw mango (sour — surprise), tamarind juice (tangy — disgust), green chilli/pepper (pungent — anger), and salt (salty — fear). Each family member eats a spoonful. This teaches that the new year will bring all experiences and one must accept them with equanimity. In Karnataka, this is called Bevu-Bella; in Andhra/Telangana, Ugadi Pachadi.
Light the ghee lamp and incense at the altar. Place images of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Offer flowers, akshat, kumkum, and fruits. Ugadi celebrates the day Brahma began creation — invoke His creative energy. Also worship Vishnu as the sustainer who carries the creation forward. Perform the sankalpa stating the new Samvatsara name, the date, and your prayer for the year. Chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or at least the Vishnu Gayatri.
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
ॐ नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात्
This is the most distinctive ritual of Ugadi. A priest or the eldest family member reads aloud the new year's Panchanga (almanac), announcing the new Samvatsara's name, the tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana for the day, and the year's predictions for rain, harvest, political affairs, and prosperity. The whole family listens attentively. In temples, this is done as a grand ceremony with hundreds attending. The reading foretells what the new year holds based on the ruling planets and nakshatras.
Offer the prepared Ugadi special dishes as naivedya: Pulihora (tamarind rice), Bobbatlu/Obbattu (sweet stuffed flatbread), Ugadi Pachadi, and coconut rice. Light camphor and perform aarti. Ring the bell while circling the flame before the deities. All family members take part in the aarti. After aarti, distribute the prasad to everyone.
The grand Ugadi feast is served on banana leaves. The traditional meal includes Pulihora, Bobbatlu/Holige, Ugadi Pachadi, Payasam, rice with sambar and rasam, curd rice, and various chutneys and pickles. The meal must include all six tastes. Visit elders to seek their blessings. Exchange new year greetings — "Ugadi Subhakankshalu" (Telugu) or "Yugadi Habbada Shubhashayagalu" (Kannada). In the evening, cultural programmes and Harikatha recitals are held at temples.
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
ॐ नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात्
oṃ nārāyaṇāya vidmahe vāsudevāya dhīmahi tanno viṣṇuḥ pracodayāt
We meditate upon Narayana, we contemplate Vasudeva. May that Vishnu inspire and guide us in the new year.
108x Japa CountBrahma Mantra (for creation)
ॐ चतुर्मुखाय विद्महे हंसारूढाय धीमहि तन्नो ब्रह्मा प्रचोदयात्
oṃ caturmukhāya vidmahe haṃsārūḍhāya dhīmahi tanno brahmā pracodayāt
We meditate upon the Four-Faced One, we contemplate the One seated on the Swan. May Brahma inspire and guide our creative endeavours.
11x Japa CountVishnu Sahasranama (selected)
The thousand names of Lord Vishnu. Reciting on Ugadi brings protection and prosperity for the entire year.
Ugadi Pachadi (six-flavour mix), Pulihora (tamarind rice), Bobbatlu/Obbattu (sweet stuffed flatbread with chana dal and jaggery filling), coconut rice, curd rice, Payasam (kheer), laddu, and seasonal fruits — mango, banana, coconut.
Blessings of Lord Brahma for creative energy and new beginnings. Blessings of Lord Vishnu for protection and sustenance throughout the year. Equanimity in facing life's joys and sorrows (as taught by the Bevu-Bella). Knowledge of the year's celestial influences through Panchanga Sravanam. Prosperity, good health, and harmonious family life.