(Image source from: Ugadi - Beginning of prosperous future)

Yugadi or Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. The name Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning): "the beginning of a new age". While the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka use the term Yugadi / Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival as Gudi Padwa Marwari, people of Rajasthan celebrate as Thapna. Sindhis, celebrate as Cheti Chand. Manipuris celebrate as Sajibu nongma panba. The Hindu New Year, however, is observed as Baisakhi in Punjab, seri Saja in Himachal Kullu Vally, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal on April 14 or 15. Kerala, celebrate the new year as Vishu on April 14 or 15. It is also celebrated in Mauritius. Hindus of Bali and Indonesia celebrate their new year as Nyepi.

A special dish made on this occasion known as Bevu-Bella in Kannada and Ugadi Pachhadi in Telugu which has significance on the different moods of life and this is prepared with items which gives different taste of moods.

1. Neem Buds / Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness

2. Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness, signifying Happiness

3. Green Chilli / Pepper for its hot taste, signifying Anger

4. Salt for saltiness, signifying Fear

5. Tamarind Juice for its sourness, signifying Disgust

6. Raw Mango for its tang, signifying Surprise

All these are part of life and we have to experience it with satisfaction. In the New Year we have to expect all these different moods and take it with utmost satisfaction to make the year giving us courage and happiness in whatever situation we have to face in our life. Let the New Year take out the Sadness and fill HAPPINESS and quench the Anger, Fear and Disgust and bring more Surprise of PROSPERITY.

By Premji