Ugadi 2010/Gudi Padwa Greeting Card And SMS
By Priyanka, Gaea News NetworkMonday, March 15, 2010
CHENNAI, India (GaeaTimes.com)- The new year festival Ugadi will be celebrated this year in South India, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on March 16. Since it marks the beginning of a new year for the Deccan states, people take the opportunity to wish happiness and prosperity to friends and family members through Ugadi greeting cards gifts. Even amidst their busy schedule, people take out time to send Ugadi SMS to their loved ones.
While people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh call the New Year as Ugadi, the residents of Maharashtra celebrate the same occasion but with a different name. In Maharashtra the new year is named Gudi Padwa. This is the first day of the year for people who follow Dakshina Bhartha lunar calendar. The day is important as the festivals that are celebrated in the following year follow the dates of the calendar that starts with the Ugadi. Therefore like the English New year, Ugadi is the day when greeting cards and SMS do the rounds in the Deccan India.
Starting the year at the time of spring when the nature is in full bloom is considered auspicious by Indians. The preparation for Ugadi however is not restricted to greeting each other. It comes along with some celebrations and rituals which the people of the three states perform with enthusiasm. On this day, delicious sweets and special dishes are made from the new jaggery and raw mango. Ugadi is celebrated in television too where poets assemble to read out their poetic creations. However for those who are away from their home or friends, this celebration entails sending Ugadi SMS and Ugadi greeting cards.
