Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. This typically occurs in March or April of the Gregorian calendar. The day is also a public holiday in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The word Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age or era) and ādi (beginning). The day is also known by other names such as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Bevu-Bella in Karnataka, Cheiraoba in Manipur and Sajibu Nongma Panba in Meghalaya.
The day is observed with special puja (worship) performed in homes and temples, and the eating of neem leaves and jaggery, which are considered to be symbols of the bitter and sweet aspects of life respectively.
The Deccan region has a long and rich history, and the people of this region have always been known for their celebrating life and its many joys. Ugadi is just one of the many festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and fervor in the Deccan region.