In Andhra Pradesh, it is believed that the creator of the Hindu universe, Lord Brahma began his wonderful creation on this auspicious day of Ugadi. On this day, people chant mantras and the pandits make predictions for the coming year. According to a ancient tradition, people used to flock to the temples to listen to the yearly calender (panchangasravanam).
People prepare for this festive occasion by cleaning and washing their houses and buying new clothes. When the day dawns, they decorate their houses with mango leaves and rangolis.
Then, they perform the ritualistic worship to pray for good health and prosperity in the coming year. It has become a custom to hold Kavi Sammelans ( Poetry recitals) this day. The Ugadi day is also considered to be an auspicious time to begin any new ventures.
The traditional cuisine of this festival includes dishes like Pulihora and Bobbatlu, though the Ugadi Pachchadi is the typical dish associated with the festival. This dish is prepared with jaggery, raw mangoes, neem flowers and raw tamarind.
