UGADI
Heralding the Spring :
Coming close on the heels of Holi, Ugadi brings in the freshness of spring that lingers on
with sprightliness all around. Plants with sprouting shoots and blossoming gardens present
aesthetic scenes all around. The flame of the forest trees can be seen in full bloom with
the red flowers reminding one of the fire true to their name.
Soft breezes of the spring often filled
with sweet fragrances of the fresh blooms are sure to fill one’s heart with eternal
joy and contentment. And there comes the season of the exquisite jasmines to fill the
ambience with their sweet fragrance probably unmatched by any other flower in
nature’s own creation!
 With the mango trees bearing their bloom and eventually the fruits,
the pride of India, there comes the time for the preparation of pickles in Andhra Pradesh.
The much famous Andhra Avakai is prepared by pickling the raw mangoes, available at its
plenty in the season, with salt, mustard and chilli powders in oil.
Joy, enthusiasm and gaiety are seen spread
across all around in the air and social gatherings become a part and parcel of the
celebrations. Ugadi is celebrated with the same festive fervor in Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh, but in a different name as – "Ugadi" in A.P. &
Karnataka and "Gudipadava" in Maharashtra.
Another feature typical to the season is
the literary feast in the form of Kavi sammelanam held on Ugadi. This stages new
poems of many a poet both budding and renowned. The subjects range from politics to modern
lifestyles. This momentum in the literary world may also be the inspiration of Spring! |
