Ugadi is more than just a celebration ,it’s a beautiful blend of traditions, Ayurveda, and the promise of new beginnings. From the bittersweet taste of Bevu-Bella to the vibrant flavors of Ugadi Pachadi, every ritual prepares us to embrace life’s journey. Discover the deeper meaning behind these cherished traditions. Read now!
Read time : 15 min
As a child, Ugadi was undoubtedly my favorite festival. With summer vacation in full swing, all of us cousins would gather at our ancestral home and celebrate the New Year with so much excitement and joy. The house would buzz with laughter, the aroma of festive delicacies, and the warmth of family bonding. From helping the elders prepare for the festival, to eagerly awaiting the delicious feast, every moment was filled with happiness and anticipation.
Ugadi has always been more than just a festival for me - it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and welcome the possibilities of a new year. Ugadi is observed on the first day of the Chitra according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Yuga” (age/era) and “Adi” (beginning), Ugadi signifies the dawn of a new age, bringing with it the promise of renewal, prosperity, and positivity.
Celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Ugadi marks the start of a new lunar calendar and ushers in a sense of renewal.
Similar celebrations of the Hindu New Year include Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Cheti Chand by the Sindhi community, Navreh in Kashmir, Baisakhi in Punjab, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, and Poila Boishakh in West Bengal.
But beyond the vibrant decorations, the aroma of fresh mango leaves, and the indulgence in festive delicacies, there’s a deeper connection that resonates with Ayurveda. A connection that aligns our bodies, minds, and emotions with the changing rhythms of nature.
Ugadi arrives right when the seasons are shifting - from the cold, introspective days of Shishira (late winter) to the blooming warmth of Vasanta (spring). In Ayurveda, this transition is known as Ritu Sandhi - a period of change where our bodies are adjusting to the new environment. During this time, the accumulated heaviness of winter (characterized by Kapha dosha) tends to linger, making us feel sluggish, congested, and sometimes emotionally stagnant. This is precisely why Ayurveda views Ugadi not just as a cultural celebration but as an opportunity to detoxify, realign, and prepare for the months ahead.
The morning of Ugadi always feels different. A sense of calm yet anticipation fills the air. In my home, the day begins before sunrise with a thorough cleansing of the house, symbolizing the removal of old energy and making space for positivity. Fresh mango leaves and neem branches are tied at the entrance, believed to ward off negativity and invite good fortune. Mango leaves, with their natural antibacterial properties, purify the air, while neem, known for its detoxifying effects, symbolizes protection and health. The house is decorated with colorful flowers and rangolis is always the best start to any festivities.
The ritual of Ugadi starts with the customary oil bath and the pooja. Oil bath is a practice deeply rooted in Ayurveda. Known as Abhyanga, this self-massage with warm oil not only nourishes the skin but also balances the doshas, especially during seasonal transitions. I look forward to my Mom massaging the warm oil all year around. As she massages my scalp and body with coconut oil, I can feel the stress melting away, grounding me for the day ahead. This ritual prepares us to welcome the new year with clarity, calmness, and vitality.
After a rejuvenating bath, everyone gathers for the most sacred part of the day, offering prayers. We wear new clothes to welcome the new year. After chanting prayers and seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead, we partake in the first offering of the day, Bevu-Bella.
When my grandfather handed us kids Bevu-Bella, he would always say, “The year ahead will be both bitter and sweet, just like this. Eat it now and be ready to face whatever challenges come our way.” Although we used to make faces while eating it, it somehow left us feeling good in the end.
Bevu-Bella is a simple yet profound offering. A mixture of neem flowers or leaves (Bevu) and jaggery (Bella), symbolizing the bittersweet nature of life. The bitterness of neem reminds us that challenges and difficulties are an inevitable part of the journey, while the sweetness of jaggery signifies joy, hope, and success. It’s a moment of quiet reflection. A reminder that life will bring both happiness and hardship, and that true balance lies in embracing them equally.
Ayurvedically, this ritual is not just symbolic but also therapeutic. Neem flowers/leaves, with their detoxifying and blood-purifying properties, prepare the body for the seasonal transition by flushing out toxins. Jaggery, rich in minerals and iron, provides warmth and nourishment, counteracting the residual cold of winter and energizing the body. This perfect balance of bitter and sweet not only sets the tone for the year ahead but also aligns the body with the changing season.
Festival food has always been my favorite part of Ugadi. Eating “Holige” with lots of ghee, along with other festive dishes, on a banana leaf is such an experience.
I remember the joy of standing beside my grandmother in the kitchen, watching her prepare each dish with care and patience. As we worked together, she would explain the deeper significance of the ingredients we used, making the experience even more special.
After the prayers and the offering of Bevu-Bella, our family eagerly moves on to the most anticipated part of the celebration - Ugadi Pachadi. This unique dish, with its six distinct tastes, serves as a profound reminder that life is a blend of diverse experiences. Each ingredient carries a symbolic meaning:
▪️Jaggery’s sweetness represents the joy and happiness that life brings.
▪️Tamarind’s sourness reflects the challenges and difficulties we encounter.
▪️Neem flowers, with their bitterness, remind us that hardships are an inevitable part of the journey.
▪️Raw mango adds astringency, symbolizing the surprises and new beginnings that life offers.
▪️Green chili provides pungency, bringing intensity and excitement.
▪️Salt balances it all, representing stability and grounding in the midst of life’s changes.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, this dish is not just symbolic,it’s therapeutic. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of incorporating all six tastes (Shadrasa) in our daily diet to maintain balance and harmony in the body. When we consume all these tastes together, we nourish not just our physical body but also our emotional and spiritual well-being. As my grandmother explained to me, it was fascinating to know how a simple dish like Ugadi Pachadi serves as a reminder that life, with all its flavors.Sweet, sour, bitter, and beyond,is meant to be embraced fully.
What I love most about Ugadi is how it encourages us to incorporate seasonal produce into our festive rituals. Nature, in her infinite wisdom, provides us with exactly what our bodies need as the seasons change. Raw mangoes, neem flowers, jaggery, and tamarind,all key ingredients in Ugadi Pachadi and Mavinkai Chitranna (Raw mango rice dish) ,are not only rich in flavor but also align perfectly with what our bodies require during this transitional period.
Raw mangoes, with their tangy and slightly astringent taste, help stimulate digestion and cleanse the liver. According to Ayurveda, raw mango pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas, making it an ideal addition during spring when Kapha tends to accumulate. It cools the body and aids in balancing the heat that builds up as temperatures rise.
Neem flowers, though bitter, are revered in Ayurveda for their detoxifying and blood-purifying properties. Consuming neem during spring helps cleanse the system, prevent seasonal infections, and boost immunity. Bitter foods are known to reduce Pitta and Kapha while supporting liver function, making neem flowers an essential ingredient in preparing the body for the months ahead.
Jaggery, with its natural sweetness, not only satisfies the taste buds but also acts as a natural energizer. It provides warmth and nourishment, helping to balance Vata and promote healthy digestion. Jaggery is rich in iron and essential minerals, which support the body’s vitality and strength as it adapts to seasonal changes.
The sourness of tamarind helps stimulate Agni (digestive fire) and promotes better digestion. Tamarind is also known for its ability to enhance the absorption of nutrients, making it a valuable addition to Ugadi Pachadi during a time when the body’s metabolism is naturally sluggish due to Kapha accumulation.
Green chilies add a touch of heat that stimulates Agni and clears congestion, while salt provides the grounding and stability needed to balance the lighter, more mobile qualities that spring brings. Together, they enhance digestion and ensure that the body remains balanced as it transitions from winter to spring.
Ugadi is more than just a celebration of the new year. It's a time to align ourselves with nature’s cycles and invite balance into our lives. The festival encourages us to cleanse not just our physical surroundings but also our inner selves. The practice of decluttering the home, performing Abhyanga, and consuming a detoxifying meal like Ugadi Pachadi ensures that we are in harmony with the shifting seasons.
In Ayurveda, spring (Vasanta) is a time when Kapha, which tends to accumulate during the colder months, begins to melt and circulate in the body. If not properly eliminated, it can lead to sluggishness, allergies, and congestion. This is why rituals associated with Ugadi such as oil massage, light seasonal foods, and the inclusion of all six tastes, are designed to balance Kapha and prepare the body for the warmer months ahead.
I’ve learned that Ugadi is a time to practice mental and emotional detox as much as a physical one. Letting go of old patterns, expressing gratitude for the blessings, and creating space for growth and transformation feels like a ritual in itself. It’s this holistic cleansing,of body, mind, and spirit,that makes the festival so meaningful.
As I welcome this Ugadi with gratitude and reflection, I’m reminded that every ending is a new beginning. May this year bring renewed energy, inner peace, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world we inhabit. Happy Ugadi!
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