About 500,000 Telugus mark occasion with prayers, cultural rituals and traditional foods symbolising life’s emotions
PETALING JAYA: The Telugu community in Malaysia, numbering about 500,000, is preparing to usher in its new year with Ugadi, which falls today.
Telugu Association of Malaysia honorary general secretary Siva Soorianarayanan described Ugadi as one of the most significant festivals for Telugu and Kannada-speaking people worldwide, marking a time of renewal, cultural reflection and communal celebration.
“Ugadi, observed on the first moon of the Chaitra month in the lunar calendar, is believed to be the day when Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology, began the universe.”
The festival also signals the onset of Vasantakalam, the spring season when plants sprout fresh shoots, unripe mangoes appear on branches, neem flowers bloom and farmers prepare their land for the next crop cycle.
Siva explained that the Telugu calendar operates on a 60-year cycle, with each year given a unique name. This year marks the 40th year in the cycle, called Parabhava, which translates to the “beginning of a new era”.
The customary new year greeting this year is Sri Parabhava Nama Ugadi Subhakankshalu.
“Ugadi is a festival of joy and togetherness. It brings families together, strengthens our cultural roots and allows us to welcome the new year with hope, positivity and spiritual reflection.”
Preparations for Ugadi begin as early as a week in advance.
Homes are cleaned and decorated, new clothes purchased and families perform prayers dedicated to Goddess Nokalamma during the Nokalamma Panduga, held on the eve of Ugadi yesterday.
On the day of the festival, households decorate doorways with fresh mango leaves for prosperity and create muggu, or rangoli patterns, at the entrance to welcome positive energy.
“The day begins at dawn with a traditional oil bath prepared by the matriarch of the family, using a blend of castor, coconut and mustard oils.
“After the bath, family members dress in their finest traditional attire, with men wearing kattu panchi (dhoti) and kandua (shawl), while women adorn festive sarees or lehengas.
“Families then gather in their prayer rooms to perform Ugadi rituals.”
Cultural observances form an integral part of the celebration.
“Many families spend the day reading literary works, reciting poetry, chanting Vedic mantras, singing bhajans and enjoying classical music.
“The highlight, however, is the Panchanga Sravanam, where almanac predictions for the year ahead are read aloud in temples, guiding devotees on auspicious events and life decisions.”
Food also plays a central role in Ugadi celebrations.
The traditional Ugadi Pachadi, made with six key ingredients – bitter neem, tangy raw mango, sour tamarind, spicy green chilli, sweet jaggery and a pinch of salt – represents the six emotions of life: sorrow, joy, anger, fear, disgust and surprise.
“Other festive treats include teepu garulu (sweet vadai dipped in jaggery), burulu (round sweets made with green peas or lentils fried in flour), arusulu (flattened sweet discs made with rice flour, jaggery and sesame seeds) and bobbatu (sweet flatbreads made of flour and jaggery).”
This year, all 30 branches of the Telugu Association of Malaysia will host celebrations until the end of April, continuing a long-standing tradition of community gatherings, cultural performances and festive feasts.
“Ugadi is not only a celebration of the new year but also a time for reflection and embracing life’s diverse experiences.
“It allows us to honour our heritage, share joy with family and friends and look forward to a year filled with health, prosperity and happiness.”
