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Ugadi/Gudi Padwa

The festival marks the new year day for the people in Deccan region of India - Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra (festival called as Gudi Padwa). People from these states follow the lunar calendar with a change in moon's orbit. It is believed that the creator of the Hindu Pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day. Ugadi falls on Chaitra Shuddha Paadyami.
The day starts with oil bath afterwhich entrance of the house is decorated with fresh mango leaves. It is said that Subramanya and Ganesha (2 sons of Lord Siva & Parvati) were fond of mangoes. As the legend says, Subramanya exhorted people to tie mango leaves to the doorway signifying good crop and general wellbeing. This is followed by prayers, then eating of Bevu-Bella (in Kannada) / Ugadi Pachhadi (in Telugu). Bevu Bella is a mixture of - Neem flowers, Neem leaves, Raw mango, Tamarind juice, Jaggery, Pepper and salt. This symoblizes that life is a mixture of happiness, sadness, impurity, chaos, fear, anger, disgust and surprise, should be accepted together with equanimity. On consuming the bevu-bella, people will gather to listen to the recitation of Panchangam (Panchanga Shravanam).
In Maharashtra, people erect Gudis (bamboo stick with a coloured silk cloth and a garland on top). This symobilizes achievement/victory. People worship Gudi and usher in New year.

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