Ugadi - is the new year for the people in southern states(Karnataka, AP, M'rashtra) in India.
It consists of two words "Uga"(means year,era) and "adi"(starting or begining). Its start of the new year in Hindu calendar.
its also signifies change in the climate and environment in this geography. it really brings new charm and beauty to the mother nature.
People exchange the bevu( neem leaves) and bella( jaggery) these days to signify that we have to accept both sorrow and happiness with equal desire. i like this philosophy behind this auspicious festival and sometimes wonder why its so difficult to follow this basic principle. Also i feel proud of my ancestors who would have started this festival with such a noble cause.
Ugadi is not just remained as festival, but also brought out some of the best poetry. The famous poem on Ugadi by Dr. Da.Ra. Bendre is the most popular song patronized by children to elderly people. Ugadi is really the dawn of new feelings, new Janma, new aspirations in life.
"... ಎಲ್ಲ ಕೊಚ್ಕೊಂಡ್ ವೋಗ್ಲಿ! ಪರ್ಪಂಚ್ ಇರೋ ತನಕ ಮುಂದೆ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪದಗೊಳ್ ನುಗ್ಲಿ" - ರತ್ನನ ಪದಗಳು
