What is Ugadi and What are the Best Foods to Eat on Ugadi?

Ugadi is a traditional Hindu and Jain festival celebrated across India. The name Ugadi translates to "beginning of the year" in Sanskrit. The festival marks the beginning of the new year or month according to each tradition. It also celebrates the onset of prosperity, well-being, and good luck for the coming year. Most festivities are typically held during sunrise because it is believed to be auspicious.

What is Ugadi?

Ugadi, also known as Ugadi Pournami or Yugadi, is a Hindu and Jain festival that takes place all over India. In Sanskrit, the name Ugadi means "beginning of the year." According to each tradition, it signifies the start of a new year or month.

The Origins of Ugadi

Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu calendar month Jyestha. It is a solar event and is typically observed in March or April. The festival celebrates the coming of age of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. In many regions, it is also associated with prosperity. During Ugadi, Hindus may perform special puja to their ancestors and seek their blessings for a prosperous future. Many families will offer libations and food to share with guests as well as family members who have passed away. To get into a festive mood for Ugadi, try these traditional foods!

Food to Eat When We Celebrate Ugadi

There are many different foods traditionally eaten on Ugadi, but here are some of the best! 1. Banana and Jaggery 2. Coconut Halva 3. Rasam 4. Sambar 5. Rice Kheer 6. Rava Kheer

Ghee

Ghee is a type of clarified butter. This food is often used in Indian cuisine. For Ugadi, ghee is often used to prepare desserts like the traditional bread known as Bhakarwadi. Ghee is also used in many dishes at this festival. Because it is an ingredient that brings flavour and aroma to dishes, it's an important part of Ugadi celebrations.

Besan Laddoo

Besan is a type of flour that is made out of ground chickpeas. Besan Laddoo is a traditional dish made with besan, sugar, and cardamom powder. It is usually served at the Ugadi festival and features the flavour of sugar and spice.

Garlic Chutney

Garlic chutney is a delicious condiment made of fresh garlic and chopped red chilli peppers. Garlic chutney is often eaten as an accompaniment to Indian bread, rice dishes, and lentils.

Wrap Up

Ugadi is a festival that celebrates the beginning of the new year and people in India enjoy feasting on a variety of traditional foods. You can also celebrate Ugadi by cooking up these dishes from your kitchen! The best foods to eat on Ugadi are hard-boiled eggs, mangoes, peanuts, sesame seeds, and tilapia curry. Visit The Yarra Indian Restaurant and enjoy the most delicious Indian food in Melbourne. We serve many Indian dishes with their original flavour that will surely transport you back to the Mughal era though we have infused some modern twist in our menu which made the food even more delicious and flavoursome.