Sai Baba on Ugadi
Ugadi - Predictions of the Year - Kavi Sammelan (poetry recitation) is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature -  -Preparing for the Occasion - Send Ugadi greeting card

The New year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around.

It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

With the coming of Ugadi, the naturally perfumed jasmines (mallepulu) spread a sweet fragrance which is perhaps unmatched by any other in nature's own creation! While large garlands of jasmine are offered to Gods in homes and temples, jasmine flowers woven in clusters adorn the braids of women.

Predictions of the Year

Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. It is a day when mantras are chanted and predictions made for the new year. Traditionally, the panchangasravanam or listening to the yearly calendar was done at the temples or at the Town square but with the onset of modern technology, one can get to hear the priest-scholar on television sets right in one's living room.




It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi.
"Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tanarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes !

Preparing for the Occasion

Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.

Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervor in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava".

On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartik (or Subramanya or Kumara Swamy) and Ganesha, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartik exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being.

It is noteworthy that we use mango leaves and coconuts (as in a Kalasam, to initiate any pooja) only on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods. People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colorful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the new year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.

The celebration of Ugadi is marked by religious zeal and social merriment. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "pulihora", "bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion. In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "puliogure" and "holige". The Maharashtrians make "puran poli" or sweet rotis.

Season For Pickles

With the raw mango available in abundance only during the two months (of April/May), people in Andhra Pradesh make good use of mangoes to last them until the next season. They pickle the mangoes with salt, powdered mustard and powdered dry red chilli and a lot of oil to float over the mangoes. This preparation is called "avakai" and lasts for a whole year.

Mangoes and summer season go hand in hand. Ugadi thus marks the beginning of the hot season which coincides with the school vacations. For the young ones, therefore, Ugadi is characterised by new clothes, sumptuous food and revelling. The air is filled with joy, enthusiasm and gaiety. Some people participate in social community gatherings and enjoy a tranquil evening with devotional songs (bhajans).

Kavi Sammelanam

Kavi Sammelanam (poetry recitation) is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature. Ugadi is also a time when people look forward to a literary feast in the form of Kavi Sammelanam. Many poets come up with new poems written on subjects ranging - from Ugadi - to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.

Ugadi Kavi Sammelanam is also a launch pad for new and budding poets. It is generally carried live on All India Radio's Hyderabad "A" station and the Doordarshan,(TV) Hyderabad following "panchanga sravanam" (New year calendar) narrating the way the new year would shape up in the lives of people and the State in general. Kavis (poets) of many hues - political, comic, satirical reformist, literary and melancholic - make an appearance on the Ugadi stage. Ugadi is thus a festival of many shades. It ushers in the new year, brings a rich bounce of flora and fills the hearts of people with joy and contentment.


Baba on Ugadi
The Kali Yuga (the present era) started in the year Pramadi, the month named Sravana, the fortnight named Bahula, and the day called Ashtami. According to the English calendar, this would be described as 20 February 3102 years before the advent of Christ. In order to bring out this aspect of the commencement of the new Yuga on 20 February 3102 B.C., our ancestors have been calling that day "the day of the beginning of a new era (Ugadi)". Since this was the commencing day of a new Yuga, it was called (Y)Ugadi.
When looked at from this angle, we should also learn a different aspect, although it is not very pleasant. This particular day, Ugadi, is also the day on which Krishna gave up his mortal body in a sacred place of pilgrimage called Prabahatsa, near Dvaraka.
BABA
From Digest Vol I
There is no need to wait for a new year to bring new tidings. Every moment is new. Many are wondering what troubles and losses the new year will bring. But the year is not responsible for all our troubles and difficulties. Only our conduct is responsible. If our actions are good, the results will be good. Bad actions lead to bad consequences. People think that good and bad are related to bad time. Not at all. Their thoughts are the cause. Hence, they should develop good thoughts and do good deeds. They should cherish good feelings and associate with good people.
People should realize the preciousness of Time. Most of the time available is wasted by people. This is utterly wrong. Time should be used always for right purposes. That is the foremost duty of every man. Waste of time is waste of life. The Lord of Time protects those who take refuge in Him, even against the Lord of Death, Kaala. Time takes its revenge on those who misuse it. A nation's prosperity is dependent on how people use their time in the performance of good actions.
Divine Discourse: 7 April 1997
________________________________________
We will achieve victory in every walk of life when we foster good thoughts and good deeds.
Today is the first day of the New year. From today onward, all devotees must undertake his holy task. Past is passed. Do not think of the future, because it is not in our hands. What is the guarantee that we wil live until tomorrow? Therefore, this present time is very important. Make good use of it. Do not go against your inner self. That is what I tell my children, the students here, "Follow the master". Who is your master? Your inner self is your master. So there is no need for anyone else; follow your own inner self. That is your God. That is your happiness. That is your wealth. That is your peace. That is your everything. Happiness and peace are not outside.
Divine Discourse: 20 March 20 1996

What awaits you this ugadi?

Aries: The year ahead promises to be a mixed bag of blessings. This could be a good time to start a new project. It is the time to believe in yourself, make choices and take appropriate action. Joint incomes, investments, taxes, insurance and property settlements may be affected by current planetary influences.
Old friends may come back into your life. Prepare for endings or separations with people from the past. Leadership and authority are qualities to mark your year. Creative projects emphasised in March.
Romance is favoured, only if accompanied by a long-lasting commitment. Relationship with children highlighted— if you are of the right age and circumstances appropriate, a child could be conceived.
It’s time to let go of someone from the past or even a past relationship which has caused turmoil. A mature person could guide you during this period. Overseas connections and travel benefit. The year may end on a stunning or surprising note.
Lucky stone: Ruby
Lucky months: April, November
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Taurus: The year 2006 could mark the completion of one phase and the start of another. Expansion, opportunity, learning will come through a partner— romantic or business. It may be a new connection or an established one.
Changes or improvements with home or domestic life is highlighted. There may be a new home, purchased or built.
Home, domestic arrangements and family relationships bog you down, unless you are ready to make changes and move on. Old friends or business alliances could come back. Money or romance may come with the return of past connections or involvements. There may be travel overseas to renew past acquaintance or employment.
There may be delays and/or extra responsibility with home and family. This may provide an over-all improvement, but you may have to work hard for the result.
You will work hard for money or even try your luck in speculation. You may become involved in financial dealings or investment.
Lucky stone: Topaz
Lucky months: May, September

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Gemini: The new year is prophetic when you will be able to prove your worth, leading to personal success, recognition and ego fulfilment. Hone your communication skills. Communication with siblings or neighbours may be limited and may be more serious in nature. There may be much travelling to do for work or in daily life. You may be dealing with older or more authoritative people.
This is a good period to seek employment, a new job or work projects. Romantic ties and financial status are developed through overseas contacts. There may be overseas travel for personal or professional reasons.
Learn to play it cool as the year gathers momentum and finishes to a fortunate finale. Health needs care. You will be rethinking major plans. A partnership or association is seen in a new light. A partner gets a windfall or elevation in status, changing the course of your lives. New liaisons or associations will bring opportunity.

Lucky stone: Moonstone
Lucky months: June, November
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Cancer: Jupiter trining your sign, expands your horizons, brings good luck and cheer, while Saturn puts a firm brake on finances and all expenditure.
Romance, light-hearted flirtation and speculations emphasised. Relationship with children highlighted. There may be an addition to the family through a birth or a return.
There may be no loss of money, but all the money that you get now will be the result of very hard work. Financial management is pivotal for your career. There may be communication problems, especially for overseas connections. Look at matters with a partner or close associate more objectively. There may be separation or a return that brings old feelings to the surface. You may choose a new career and train for it. You may travel for work. Changes with health or healthcare may bring changed connections or contacts.

Lucky stone: Emerald
Lucky months: July, August
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Leo: 2006 will be a period that will test your maturity and wisdom, also your willingness to correct mistakes and move forward. You may feel resentful and antagonistic towards those who you feel are restricting your individuality. This period marks the beginning of a 12-year cycle of new experiences.
This year may mark a turning point in your life as you struggle with one issue after another. New projects, business ventures, new career, higher education are on the cards. However, independence within the family circle and negative prospects for family-owned business or new adventures are indicated.
There may be home improvement for some while others may relocate, even overseas. Family or emotional life will require your attention. Watch out for small accidents or problems at home.
You'll have your fill of parties, entertainment, luck and romance, to speculative or creative ventures and travel.

Lucky stone: Peridot
Lucky months: April, October
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Virgo: You can make unusual or extraordinary changes this year. There may be new skills, conditions and associates this year. There will be change or withdrawal to a degree from current work, activity or contacts. This will allow time for inner growth
For some, there may be a sexual liaison with an associate. This may be a secret activity or have a powerful influence. There may be a healing or resolution with the past as people return. You may return to an old working situation.
Travel and communications negatively indicated. Watch for problems with vehicles or communications equipment
A partnership acquires a new dimension, while an old flame may just come back. You will acquire a new skill or present an old one differently. There will be the end of one phase and the start of a new one.
Your emotional and domestic life is altered. There may be home improvement for some while others may relocate.

Lucky stone: Lapus Lazili
Lucky months: April, October
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Libra: Changes in romantic life, career, and health are some of the influences 2006 will bring into your life. A strain sets in as you view relationships and activities that are not making you happy. Understand your money situation. Make investments and long-term savings plans.
Old friends or even an ailing relationship may return and a renewal of affection or healing about past matters happens.
Y ou will have the opportunity to spend time with family from whom you've been separated or alienated. It can bring healing and closure of painful past issues.
Someone new may enter your life as well. Your dreams and plans could materialise. You may deal with overseas connections or even with foreigners. Communications as well as travel prospects increase. Overseas travel possible.

Lucky stone :Opal.
Lucky months: August, October
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Scorpio: Overseas travel, higher education, expansion and personal or professional opportunity prevails. There’s growth and expansion at all levels.
There will be change, challenge and important dealings with career direction and responsibilities. The year begins expansively with matters of love and money. Singles may find opportunity to cross the frontier of romance. Study or people from overseas may be involved.
If you've been struggling, you can lift your head above the water and breathe. March and July will test as to how you keep the balance of personal life and professional. There could be tension and frustration in personal and professional life during this period. Opportunity or fortune will expand personal resources or put money to better use.

Lucky stone: Emerald
Lucky months: April, November
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Sagittarius: 2006 brings you the culmination of all the hard work and effort you have put in the past. Pay attention to health. A good work-out schedule with lots of physical activity will prove in good stead this year.
Jupiter, transiting Scorpio in your twelfth solar house indicates that benefits or gains that you accrue may be hidden.
Saturn in Leo emphasises broadening your horizons and reaching out for new experiences. A second marriage, in-laws and a court decision are unfavourably indicated. You are in a formative period where your career is concerned. You may be disillusioned with a current situation. Potent events may be the trigger for such change. This is a learning phase.
There’s revival of old business schemes or you may be reunited with old associates. There may be tensions where partnerships and relationships are concerned. It is time for new beginnings or laying the foundations for future relationships and activity. Your luck is in for both love and money. It will bring a twelve-month period of growth and expansion in all spheres of your life.
Singles may begin a new romance. Career opportunities, overseas travel, higher education and connections with important people come to pass.

Lucky stone: Sapphire
Lucky months: April, December
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Capricorn: Capricorns must be heaving a sigh of relief as the difficult opposition between their natal sun and the transiting Saturn is over. There’s focuss on money as the year begins. Finances loom large— investment, credit arrangements, the mortgage and any joint holdings emphasised. There may be money from inheritances or trusts. Watch the expenses.
You may become interested in the study of occult matters, and the esoteric mysteries of life and death.
Creative or spiritual activities or development may feature. Matters from the past may come to light to be resolved or understood.
Home life is accentuated. A newborn may change the pattern of life and spending. You can bring new friends and associates into your life, ones that will bring fresh ideas or insight. Your perspectives will change, and if your dreams begin to come true.
There will be about changes in your love life as well as joint finances. You may travel to open doors of knowledge. New ventures, lifestyle activities or creative projects bring changes at home.

Lucky stone: Onyx
Lucky months: April, October
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Aquarius: There will be changes in partnerships, alliances and joint ventures. Some will have increased responsibility for loved ones while others may have a break or separation. The unattached may begin an important relationship, but it may put heavy demands on you.
If you're in a close relationship, this can be a crucial period. If a tenuous one, it could lead to separation. If otherwise, it could demand compromises and sacrifices.
You may go back on a nostalgic trip or an old flame flickers back into your life. You may renovate, or repair the home. Promotion or opportunity for advancement will come for some.
There may be a period of confusion, especially where finances are concerned. There is a bit of a slowdown in a relationship. Time to talk your feelings clearly. There will be new associates and friends. You may pursue a wide range of goals. You may teach or learn during this transit.

Lucky stone: Lapus Lazuli
Lucky months: February, November
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Pisces: Reorientation may mark the beginning of the year in matters of love or money. Your work and health become the main focus this year. Work-related responsibilities are bound to increase. Your working environment becomes restrictive, and some may face loss of employment. Stress-related illnesses may crop up, while chronic diseases flare up.
Domestic life could be enhanced by changes with partnership. You may be out of an old situation and into a new one. You're at a turning point with your creative or spiritual gifts.
Learn any of the occult sciences — astrology, tarot cards, runes, dealing with gems or aromatherapy.
Study, overseas travel and a broader perspective will bring you to new horizons. You may travel to find powerful or life-changing experiences.
There may be a break in professional or career matters. This cycle ends on Mar 26. You may find a dramatic change of events that will mark your life in a larger perspective. There may be changes with a partner or close associate.
Time to rethink old patterns in a relationship. Promotion or opportunity for advancement will come for some.
Lucky stone: Amethyst
Lucky months: March, November
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