Ugadi, Gudi Padwa 2021: Date, History, Origin and Significance of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi festivals

Let’s hope that the beginning of this year ends all our hardships and brings lots of happiness, mirth and contentment in our lives.

Ugadi, Gudi Padwa 2021: Living in as diverse a country as India has many advantages including celebrating umpteen number of festivals throughout the year. Barely a fortnight has passed since the country celebrated Holi and now the time has come for the celebration of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi which are falling on the same day this year on April 13. Both the festivals have immense significance and contribute overwhelmingly to make the country’s culture colourful, plentiful and full of happiness.

Ugadi: The festival which is also sometimes referred to as ‘Yugadi’ is one of the major festivals celebrated in the southern parts of the country including states like Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Both Ugadi as well as Gudi Padwa are celebrated on the first day of the year according to the Hindu calendar. The name of the festival itself explains the meaning and significance of the festival. The term Ugadi consists of two separate words ‘yug'(era) and ‘adi’ (new beginning). Put together the two words are nothing but the beginning of the new age or era. Like most festivals of India, people express their happiness by wearing the newest of clothes, eating a plethora of mouth-watering dishes and greeting people in their over the top voices and laughters.