Ugadi 2026: Telugu & Kannada New Year — Date, Pachadi & Traditions
Ugadi is the Telugu and Kannada New Year, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra. In 2026, Ugadi falls on 29 March. The name derives from Sanskrit: "Yuga" (era) and "Adi" (beginning) — making it the start of a new era. The festival is marked by the unique Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish that symbolises the six tastes of life, and the reading of the annual almanac (Panchangam Sravanam).
Ugadi 2026: 29 March (Sunday) · Verified Regional DataUgadi
✓ Verified Regional DataUgadi 2026
29 March 2026 (Sunday)
Tithi
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (first day of Chaitra bright fortnight)
Panchangam Reading
29 March 2026 — Annual almanac reading at temples
Region
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, India
About Ugadi
Ugadi marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year as observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. It falls on the same day as Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) and marks the start of the Shalivahana Shaka calendar — the regional new year widely followed in Deccan India. The festival begins before sunrise with an oil bath, followed by prayers, the tasting of Ugadi Pachadi, new clothes and the Panchangam Sravanam (almanac reading) at temples, which previews the year's astrological and agricultural outlook.
Significance of Ugadi
According to Hindu tradition, Ugadi is the day Lord Brahma began creating the universe — making it the first day of creation itself. It marks the beginning of the Kali Yuga according to some traditions, and is the start of the Shalivahana Shaka calendar, which is used for religious purposes across southern and central India.
The Ugadi Pachadi is the most distinctive tradition of the festival — a preparation made from six ingredients, each representing one of the six tastes: neem flowers (bitter — grief), raw mango (tangy — surprise), jaggery (sweet — happiness), green chillies (spicy — anger), salt (salty — fear) and tamarind (sour — disgust). Eating all six together symbolises the acceptance of all experiences that life brings — joy and sorrow alike.
Panchangam Sravanam — the reading of the annual Hindu almanac — is a cherished tradition on Ugadi morning. Priests recite the year's predictions regarding rainfall, harvests, political events and the general well-being of the people. Families and communities gather in temples and homes to hear these predictions for the new year.
How Ugadi is Celebrated
Pre-dawn Oil Bath (Abhyanga Snanam)
Before sunrise, family members take a ritual oil bath — sesame oil is applied to the body and hair before bathing. This is considered purifying and auspicious at the start of the new year.
Mango Leaf Torana (Door Decoration)
Fresh mango leaves are strung together and hung at the entrance of the home. Mango leaves are considered sacred and auspicious in Hindu tradition, welcoming positive energy into the home for the new year.
Ugadi Pachadi — The Six-Taste Dish
The Ugadi Pachadi is prepared and eaten by all family members. It combines neem flowers, raw mango, jaggery, green chillies, salt and tamarind — representing all six tastes and the full spectrum of life's experiences.
Puja and New Clothes
Families perform special Ugadi puja at home or at the temple. New clothes are worn, symbolising a fresh start. Elders are greeted and blessings sought for the new year.
Panchangam Sravanam — Almanac Reading
At temples, priests read the annual Panchangam (Hindu almanac) aloud, announcing the name of the new year, its ruling planet and predictions for the year. This is a deeply anticipated tradition that guides agricultural, auspicious and life decisions for the coming year.
Ugadi Foods & Festive Dishes
Ugadi Pachadi Ingredients
- •Neem flowers (bitter)
- •Raw mango pieces (tangy)
- •Jaggery (sweet)
- •Green chillies (spicy)
- •Salt (salty)
- •Tamarind juice (sour)
Festival Sweets & Dishes
- •Bobbatlu / Puran Poli (sweet lentil flatbread)
- •Pulihora (tamarind rice)
- •Paramannam (sweet rice pudding)
- •Pesarattu (green moong dosa)
- •Mamidikaya Pappu (raw mango dal)
ℹ️ Dishes and offerings may vary by region and family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Data Source
Verified Regional Sources · Telugu & Kannada Panchangam · Shalivahana Shaka Calendar
Editorial Review
6 June 2026
Verification Status
Verified Regional Data
Region / Location
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, India