The name Yugadi or
Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning):
"the beginning of a new age".
Yugadi
specifically refers to the start of the age we are living in now, the Kali
Yuga. The Kali Yuga began when Lord Krishna left the world. Maharshi Vedavyasa
describes this event with the words "Yesmin Krishno divamvyataha, Tasmat
eeva pratipannam Kaliyugam.” (wikipedia)
On Ugadi, the day
starts with the whole family waking up before the break of dawn and then
indulging in a leisurely head-bath (Abhyanjana-snana). The house entrance is
decorated with mango leaves which in
Hindu custom marks general well-being of a community. The Hindu calendar
(Panchangam Almanac) is then worshipped by performing pooja.
The calendars are
read in temples with the priests making predictions for the coming year.
Perhaps the most
important custom observed on Ugadi is sharing
of Bevu-bella (Neem and jaggery). People visit family members and friends and
the mixture is shared, indicating that we should overcome our sorrow and seek
happiness, take failure in our stride and maintain balance of mind regardless
of the circumstances.
The neem is
extremely bitter tasting, while jaggery is very sweet. Together, they signify
the two conflicting aspects of human life - joy and sorrow. The essence of life
is to accept the sweet and bitter
moments in equal measure and with equanimity and gratitude.Ugadi is all about
taking the rough with smooth and moving on in life, but learning some valuable
lessons in the bargain.
The health
benefits of neem are well known. In the olden days, a neem tree was a regular
feature in most backyards. Neem is known to be a natural disinfectant, scoring
over chemical disinfectants on every scale from effectiveness to price. Try
placing a few dried neem leaves in your wardrobe where you have stored your
most valuable silks and see the results for yourself. It is also known to boost
the immune system and purify blood.
Similarly, jaggery
is considered a better option when
compared to sugar as it is made from a natural process and largely free of
chemical and artificial substances.
It would be apt to
quote the noted Kannada poet Da Ra Bendre (D.R. Bendre: Dattatreya Ramachandra
Bendre), on the occasion of Ugadi, the
festival marking the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar, with these lines
from his poem:
“Yuga Yugadi Kaledaru,
Yugadi marali barutide,
hosa varushake hosa harushava,
hosatu hosatu tarutide …”
These immortal
lines gladden the hearts of people of state of karnataka, for whom ugadi is a
festival like no other, and the best possible way to usher in a brand new year
with optimism and hope.
Mount Litera Zee
School wishes everyone a prosperous and joyous time throughout the year and
beyond.
“Ellarige ugadi habbada
shubhashayagalu”