Ugadi marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year and is celebrated with immense joy and cultural significance throughout Kurnool District. It typically falls in March or April and heralds the arrival of spring, symbolized by the blooming of neem and mango trees. The day begins with ritualistic oil baths, cleaning the home, and decorating entrances with fresh mango leaves and colorful rangolis. The most significant tradition is the preparation and consumption of Ugadi Pachadi, a unique mixture containing six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent), representing the varied experiences of life in the coming year. Families gather to listen to the Panchanga Sravanam, where a pundit reads out the new year’s forecast based on the calendar, covering crop yield, weather, and general fortunes for the coming months.
