Ugadi Puja is a traditional and auspicious Hindu ritual performed on Ugadi, the New Year festival celebrated predominantly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra. The word Ugadi comes from “Yuga” (age) and “Adi” (beginning), meaning the beginning of a new age. It marks the start of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in March or April.

Ugadi is considered a highly auspicious day to begin new ventures, projects, or spiritual practices. The Ugadi Puja is performed to invoke divine blessings for a prosperous, healthy, and peaceful year ahead. The puja typically begins early in the morning after a traditional oil bath, followed by wearing new clothes and decorating the home entrance with mango leaves and rangoli (colorful floor art).

The ritual starts with Ganapati Puja to remove obstacles, followed by Kalasha Sthapana (installation of a sacred pot symbolizing divine energy), and chanting of Vedic mantras. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and their Ishta Devata (personal deity), seeking success, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.

One of the highlights of Ugadi is the preparation and offering of Ugadi Pachadi, a unique dish made with six different tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy. It symbolizes the various experiences of life and teaches acceptance of all emotions.

The puja concludes with Aarti, Naivedyam (food offerings), and blessings from elders. Devotees read the Panchanga Sravanam (astrological forecast) to know predictions for the new year.

Ugadi Puja is a time for spiritual renewal, cultural celebration, and setting positive intentions. It strengthens family bonds, encourages gratitude, and invites divine grace into every aspect of life.