“New Year’s Day”

Today's brief Hinduism 101 lecture: Ugadi, or New Year's Day for those who follow the lunar calendar of Southern India. So first off, Happy New Year to me!

Ugadi is not only the start of the new year, it's the start of Spring, new life, and new beginning. It's literal translation is "beginning of new age". The onset of Spring brings a new beginning to plants as they acquire new life, shoots, and leaves. Thus, the start of the year or New Years Day. Flowers and fruits begin to bud signifying growth and prosperity. Entrances of houses are decorated with fresh mango leaves. Different foods are eaten to signify contrast the contrast of life, a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow, success and disappointment. The new year brings acceptance of the good and bad as being for one's own good. Ugadi, much like the Roman calendar's New Year's day, inspires resolve to change our way of life and give up bad qualities.

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