(10.3.19) Vat Savitri Vrat 2017

Vat Savitri Vrat for well being and longevity of husband

When is Vat Savitri Vrat in 2017
In the year 2017 the Vat Savitri Vrat is on Thursday, 25.05.2017 (Amavasya Paksh)
and on Friday, 09.06.2017 (Purnima Paksh)
( Note- see below why two Tithis have been given for this fast)
Important things about Vat Savitri Vrat -
(1) There are two views about the Tithi for observing Vat Savitri Vrat. According to Skand and Bhavishyottar, this fast is observed on Jeshtha Shukla Purnima and according to Nirjanmrit etc. this Vrat is observed on Vaisakh krishna Amavasya. Accordingly in some parts of India it is observed on Purnima and in some other parts it is observed on Amavasya.
(2) Vat Savitri  Vrat is dedicated to Savitri who got her dead husband back.
(3) The married women observe this fast for the longevity of their husbands. The unmarried girls observe this fast to get a good husband.
(4) Alhtough this Vrat begins on Trayodashi and ends on on Amavasya or Purnima (as the case may be) yet usually this Vrat is obesrved either on Amavasya or on Purnima.
Why is Vat Savitri Vrat observed:-

This vrat is observed by the married women for the well being, longevity and good health of their husbands, this Vrat is associated with Savitri. It is observed in the honour of Savitri who showed her determination to bring back her husband Satyavan from Yam, the god of death .

How is Vat Savitri vrat observed :-

This fast begins from Trayodashi and ends on Purnima or Amavashya as the case may be .But if it is not possible to start this Vrat on Trayodashi, one can keep this Vrat only on Purnima or on Amavasya.In any of the above cases on Purnma or on Amavasya, the  women get up early in the morning,take a bath and in the noon or before noon they make a group and go to Vat Vriksh (Banyan tree ).There they do  the Puja of the Vat Vriksh. After Puja and prayer they tie a red or yellow thread around the banyan tree.Then they listen to the story of Satyavan and Savitri and go seven times  around the tree singing folk songs. After this Puja ritual,they take the blessings of their elders and other married women by bowing before them and touching their feet.

The legend (story) of Vat Savitri Vrat :-

The princess Savitri was the daughter of Ashvapati,the king of Madra Desh.She wanted to marry Satyavan . Before her marriage Rishi Narad had told her that Satyavan would die in a year and thus he would not live long.But Savitri was determined  to marry him. So her father married off  Savitri. Dhymdsen was the name of Savitri's father in law .His kigdom was snatched by some other king so he had to live in the forest with his family. Savitri also began to live with them.

Three days before  the fixed day of Satyavan's death,Savitri started her fast.On the third day Satyavan and Savitri began cutting wood as usual.When Satyavan was tired,he slept.While he was sleeping, a snake bit him.Yam, the god of death came to take away his soul. Savitri followed Yam.Then Yam granted her three boons.The last boon was that she would be the mother of one hundred sons.On granting this boon Savitri said to Yam , "As you have granted me the boon of having one hundred sons,please give me my husband back.Without her how will I be able to become the mother of one hundred sons."

At thisYam had to give back Satyavan's soul.There after Satyavan and Savitri lived happily. 

(10.3.20) Vaisakh Maas/ Vaisakh Mahina/ Vaisakh Snan 2017

Holy or Sacred month of Vaisakh / Baisakh Snan 2017

When is Vaisakh Snan 
In the year year 2017 Vaisakh Snan begins on Tuesday 11 April, 2017 and ends on Wednesday, 10 May, 2017
In the  Hindu calender  there are twelve months. Among  these 12 months four months are considered sacred and auspicious. These four months are Vaisakh, Shraavan, Kartik and Magh. 
Vaisakh month is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Any Jap, Tap,and Daan ,which are done during the month of Vaisakh ,are considered more fruitful . Jal dan (Water donation) is considered to be the best Daan(Donation) during this month. Water pots or water pitchers are given in charity. Some people run water huts during this month.
Importace of Vaisakh Snan / Baisakh Snaan:-
Vaisakh Snan or bathing is an important ritual in the month of Vaisakh. The Vaisakh Snan (bathing) begins from Chaitra Shukla Purnima and continues till Baisakh Shukla Purnima.
The person should get up early in the morning and take a bath in the Brahma Muhurat. Taking bath in this month removes the sins of the person and brings  him good luck. Besides taking  a bath, the person should chant the Mantra 'Aum Namo Bhagawate Vaasudevaay' at least 1080 times (ten Malas). If possible he should observe fast for these thirty one days by eating food once a day. These all rituals remove the sins, illness and ill effects of the planets.
Related Posts you will like to read ;- 
(1) Shraavan Maas 
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(2) Kartik Maas 
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(3) Magh Maas
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(10.1.18) Holi , the festival of colours 2017

Holi, the festival of colours - 2017

When is Holi celebrated - 

Holi is celebrated on Falgun Shukla Purnima.
In the year 2017 Holi is on Sunday, 12.3.2017.

Like Diwali, Holi is also a great and important festival of the Hindus. It is a festival of noisy mirth, rough practical jokes and loud singing and dancing. It brings every young and old person out of boredom and seriousness of the routine life.

The story related to Holi:-    

The story behind its celebration is that of Prahlad who was a devotee of Shri Vishnu. He would chant Vishnu's name all the time and during all his activities. Prahlad's father, king Hiranyakashipu did not like it. He wanted his son to worship no one, but him (his father). So he tried to deviate Prahlad from his devotion to God, but he continued to worship Lord Vishnu with full devotion. So Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Bhakt Prahlad in many ways but he was saved every time. Hiranyakashipu's sister, whose name was Holika, had a boon that she would not be burnt in the fire. So Hiranyakashipu asked her to sit with Prahlad into the fire. She entered the fire with is nephew Prahlad. But blessed by Lord Vishnu the child Praahlad remained unharmed and Holika got burnt and died. To celebrate Prahlad's victory over Hiranyakashipu, this festival is celebrated. 

Celebrations :- 

In the night of Purnima, big heaps of fuel are placed  in the streets or road sides  (and outside the village in the rural area) for burning up the Holi. This pile consists of logs of wood and cow dung cakes. At the appointed hour a Brahmin chants mantras and sets fire to the pile. Soon the pile begins to burn brightly and the whole street is lit up. People parch green ears of barley, wheat or gram in the flames of Holi. These perched ears are distributed among the friends and the relatives. Next day people throw colored water on one another. They apply Abir and Gulal on the faces of their friends and relatives. People go about in groups with coloured water in Pichkaaris or in buckets or with 'abir' and 'gulal' in a small bag. They make a lot of noise. They exchange jokes. This goes on till mid day. Then the people wash their coloured faces and hands and take a bath. After bathing they put on clean and new clothes and go to the houses of their friends and relatives and embrace them as a token of their affectionate relations.  

Thus Holi is the festival of love, affections and brotherhood. The feelings of untouchability and high or low are forsaken.
Other Posts you will like to read -  

(10.1.18) Holi - The Festival of colors
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(13.1.14) Holi - rituals, customs, traditions
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(13.1.15) Holi - Legend
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(13.1.16) Holi - Dhulandi
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(13.1.17) Holi - Rang Panchami
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(13.1.18) Tips for safe Holi
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(10.1.17) Samwatsar 2074 / Nav Samvatsar 2074

Vikram Samwat 2074 /Nav Samvatsar / Hindu Nav Varsh, 2074 (or) Sanvatsar / Nav sanvatsar ,2074 / Hindu new year 2074

This year Samwat 2074 begins on Chaitra Krishna Amavasya (Usually Nav Samvatsar begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada but in Samvat 2074 Pratipadada is a kshaya tithi so this year it begins on Amavasya), Tuesday, 28 March, 2017.
Important things about Samwatsar ;- 
(1) Lord Brahma began his creation on Chaitra Shukla Pratipad. So this day is considered as the day of creation and enthusiasm.
(2) Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Matsya on this day.
(3) This day is also known as the beginning of Vikram Samwat.
(4) Basant Navratra begins on this day.
(5) In Maharastra this day is celebrated as the festival of Gudi Padawa
(6) In Andhra Pradesh and Karnatak this day is celebrated as Ugadi festival.
(7) Chaitra shukla Pratipada is also known as the Swayam siddh Muhurat (Self Proven Muhurat). So any new and auspicious work can be started  or new things can be purchased on this day.

(8) Every Samwatsar has its own name. ( Click here to know the names of 60 Samwatsars)
(9) Every Samwatsar has its own name, king, minister and other office bearers and their effects.(click  for  Vikarm Samwat Council and Phal Vichar  )
Related  Posts  :- 
(10.1.17) Nav Samvatsar  / Himdu Nav Varsh /Hindu new year

(The beginning of the Hindu new year)

(6.2.18) Names of sixty Samwatsar

(Names of the Hindu years)

(10.5.14) Vikarm Samwat Council and Phal Vichar (for the current year) 

(The king, Mantri, and other portfolio and their  effect ) 

(5.2.6) Basant Navratra
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(10.1.13) Gudi Padava
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(6.2.18) Names of 60 Samwatsars
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(3) New year greetings / Wishes / SMS
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(10.3.21) Bhishm Panchak / Bhishma Panchak Vrat 2016

When is Bhishm Panchak Vrat observed 

In the year 2016 Bhisham Panchak Vrat is from Thursday 10.11.2016 to Monday 14.11.2016.
The last five days of Kartik month (in the Hindu calendar) are known as Bhishm Panchak . So Bhishm Panchak Vrat begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and ends on Kartik Shukla Purnima . 

The legend related to Bhishm Panchak :- 

When Mahabharat war was over , Lord Krishna took five Pandav brothers to Bhism Pitamah who was lying on the Vaan Shaiya (the bed of arrows) , and requested him to give updesh to Pandava brothers. At this Bhishma gave Pandavas the knowledge related to religion and salvation etc. This procedure of imparting the knowledge started on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and ended on Kartik Shukla Purnima . These five days are known as Bhishm Panchak and the Vrat observed on these five days is known as Bhishm Panchak Vrat. 

Importance of Bhishm Panchak Vrat :- 

This Vrat is considered to be very fruitful and salvation giving. 

The Mantra to be chanted during Bhishm Panchak :- 

During these five days , the Vrati (the person who observes this Vrat ) should chant the following Mantra as many times as he/she can (108 times or 1080 times or more) . The Mantra is :- 

"Om Namo Bhagawate Vaasudevaaya"

The recitation of this Mantra is very fruitful. It fulfills the desires of the person and removes his sins.

(10.1.16 ) Baisakhi / Vaisakhi 2017

 Vaisakhi / Baisakhi ,the festival 2017

When is Vaisakhi celebrated 
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival which is chiefly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. Every year this festival is celebrated on 13 April or on 14 April and according to Nanak Shahi calender.
How is Baisakhi celebrated.
Vaisakh is the month when the harvest of wheat, gram and barley stands in full growth. So the farmer community is filled with feelings of prosperity and happiness. They thank god of good crops and pray for the prosperity in the year to come. On this day people get up early and have a bath in the holy rivers and wear traditional new clothes. At different places fairs are held by the sides of the river at the places which are religiously famous. On the day of Baisakhi a large number of people gather at the Mela  grounds. The fairs have all sorts of attractions. The Punjabis perform 'Bhangara' dance to express their joy and zeal. People enjoy the dances standing in circles.When the evening draws near, the people retire to their homes full of cheer and joy.
Customs and rituals
Baisakhi is a harvest festival so it is celebrated in the open fields. Men and women wear customary dresses and take part in popular Bhangara dance.
But this festival has religious importance also. So the followers of the Sikh religion wake up early in the morning and go to the Gurudwaras to attend special meetings. They give preference to visit Golden Temple, which is the revered place for the Sikhs. But those who are not able to go to Golden temple, go the neighbouring Gurudwaras.
At the Grudwaras, the Gurugranth sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs, is taken out and it is given a symbolic bath with milk and water. Then Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the throne. This book is then read out to the followers.
 In the afternoon Gurugranth Sahib is taken out in a procession. The men, women and children take part in this procession with enthusiasm. This procession moves through the major parts of the city. During this procession people dance at the beatings of Bhangra drums. Devotees sing religious songs. Thus the festival comes to an end.
Related Posts you will like to read :- 
(10.4.1) Guru Nanak Jayanti

(13.2.7) Christmas greetings, good wishes and SMS

Christmas Greetings

Festivals bring a positive change in the daily routine and dull life of ours. They bring joy, happiness and new hope to all. They are of great rejoicing. They fill in us the spirit of joy and gaiety. Happiness of the festivals can be doubled if it is shared with others. Christmas is also one of the festivals when we can share our happiness and moments of rejoicings with others.The best way of sharing our happiness with others is to send them our good wishes, greetings and messages on these festivals.The wishes and greetings refresh the memories of the sender as well as the receiver. They fill both the sender and receiver with the feelings of closeness as the receiver feels that the sender still remembers and cares for him/her. Here under are some of the greetings, good wishes and messages:-

1. All the nine planets play an important role in the life of an individual. On this Christmas festival, I hope and wish that they will remain favourable to you all through the year to come.

2. While everything of future remains enveloped in the cloudy veil of mystery,  I wish you the happiest and prosperous new year on this propitious day of Christmas.

3. May this holy festival fulfill all your expectations and dreams. 

4. I pray to God to give you health, wealth and contentment all through the year. 

5. In this age of restlessness may you have solace and peace of mind by the grace of God.

6. May God bless your family with joy and familial harmony on the holy occasion of Christmas. 

7. May this Christmas bring you and your family, joy, peace and prosperity. 

8. May the burning candles on this Christmas show you the right path to the destination you want to reach. 

9. May all the heavenly joys be showered upon you.

10. Best wishes for you on this day of joy and pleasure. 

11. Accept my hearty wishes on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. 

12. It is Christmas, the festival of joy. let us smile and be glad. 

13. Let us share our joys with others on this merry Christmas. 

14. Wish you a lot of affection and joy. 

15. May the blessings of lord remain with you all through your life.

16. May this Christmas fill you with the spirit of joy and gaiety. 

Merry Christmas to all of you.

Related Posts :- (1) Christmas

(10.1.15) Chetichand 2017

Jhulelal Jayanti 2017/ Chetichand 2017

( The Sindhi new year festival )

When is Chetichand- 

In the year 2017, the festival of chetichand is  on Wednesday, 29.03.2017

Important things about Chetichand--

(1) Every year the festival of Cheti Chand is celebrated on Chaitra shukla pratipada or on Chaitra shukla dwitiya. It depends on the visibility of moon.

(2) It is mainly the festival of the Sindhi Community(The Hindus who lived in sindh province of Pakistan)Now they live in India and other parts of the world.

(3) The Sindhis celebrate this festival in the memory and honour of the birth of Jhule lal , the patron saint of their community.

(4) Chetichand is considered as the new year's day by the sindhis.

(5) This day is considered to be very auspicious and it is celebrated with pomp and gaiety.

(6) The businessmen of Sindhi community observe this day as the beginning of the new financial year.

(7) A big procession is taken out by the devotees.

How do people wish on Chetichand

When a person wants to wish a happy new year to a sindhi, he says "Chetichand jyon lakh lakh wadayun Athav " (which means lakhs of wishes for happy cheti chand) In the reply to this wish the sindhi says, "Tohan khe bhi chanti chand jyon lakh lakh wadayan Athav" (which means I wish you the same.)

Legend related to Chetichand :-

During the second half of the tenth century Makrab Khan killed Sha Sadakat Khan and acquired the kingdom and crowned  himself as Mirik shah. He ordered the Sindhi Hindus to become the followers of Islam or face death. At this, many Hindus gathered at the bank of river Sindhu and prayed water god to save them from the cruel action of Mirik Shah. They continued their prayer for forty days. On the fortieth day they heard an Akashvani which said that he would take birth at Nasarpur and would rescue them all from the tyrant. The Akashvani (the divine voice) came true and a child was born in due course. This child was later known as Jhulelal . He had a miraculous personality. Through his miracles he compelled the Muslim ruler to treat the Hindus and Muslims alike. Since then he Sindhi community celebrate  the festival of Cheti chand to honour the birth of Jhule lal.

(5.2.2/1) Muhurat / Auspicious time for new business / New shop 2017-2017

The best time / auspicious time or Muhurat / Shubh muhurat for starting a new business or opening a shop in the year  2017 - 2018

The following factors / things are considered for the muhurat for starting a new business / shop :- 

(1) Tithi
(2) Vaar
(3) Nakshtra
(4) Chandra Shuddhi
(5) Lagna / time ( Kumbh lagna is prohibited ) 

Important Note - During a year due to Guru and Shukra Ast and other inauspicious period, there remain a limited number of auspicious days which cover all the norms necessary for the muhurat for starting a new business or opening a new shop etc. Under this situation people can start business  etc. on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Akshay Tritiya, Vijaya Dashmi and Kartika  Shukla Pratipada which are known as the Sadhe Teen Swyam Siddha Muhurat. Besides these four days, one can start business  etc. when there occurs Guru Pushyamrit Yog and Ravi Pushyamrit Yog. To know their day and date click on them.
Here under are given the Muhurat for new business / shop in the year 2015-2016. If you want to know which of the following Muhuratas is favourable for you , you are to know Chandra Shuddhi and for Chandra Shuddhi click here  :-
(  For Chandra Suddhi you must know your Name Sign ,If you want to know your Name Sign Click here )

There is no proper muhurat for starting new business due to Dhanu Mal Maas from 15.12.2016 to 14.01.2017.
Muhurat for new business or new Shop in the year 2017 -  
> 19.01.2017 Thursday
Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in January 2017
Time From 12:16 to 12:59
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya.
Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in February 2017
> 03.02.2017 Friday
Time From 12:19 to 13:02
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Mesh.
> 06.02.2017 Monday
Time From 12:19 to 13:02
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Vrishabh.
> 13.02.2017 Monday
Time From 12:19 to 13:03
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Singh.
> 15.02.2017 Wednesday
Time From Sunrise to 09:54
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya.
> 16.02.2017 Thursday
Time From 12:30 to 13:14
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Tula.
> 19.02.2017 Sunday
Time From 12:29 to 13:14
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Vrishchik.
There is no proper muhurat for new business or new Shop due to Holashtak  from 03.05.2017 to 12.03.2017.
Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in March 2017
> 13.03.2017 Monday
Time From 06:47 to 08:14 or 12:13 to 13:01
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya.
Due to Meen Mal Maas from 14.03.2017 to 13.04.2017, there is no proper Muhrat for new business or opening shop.
Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in April 2017
> 24.04.2017, Monday
Time - From sunrise to 07:22
Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Meen

> 28.04.2017, Friday

Time - From 7:32 to 10:47 & 11:58 to 12:50 & 12:24 to 14:01

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Meen

> 30.04.2017, Sunday

Time - From sunrise to 06:41

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Mithun

Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in May, 2017

> 07.05.2017, Monday

Time - 11:57 to 12:50

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya

> 08.05.2017, Monday

Time - 11:56 to 12:49

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya

> 12.05.2017, Friday

Time - 11:57 to 12:50

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Vrishchik

> 27.05.2017, Saturday

Time - 11:57 to 12:51

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Mithun

Muhurat for  opening a shop or starting a new business in June, 2017

> 03.06.2017, Saturday

Time - 11:57 to 12:52

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya

> 05.06.2017, Monday

Time - 11:57 to 12:52

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Tula

> 12.06.2017, Monday

Time - 11:59 to 12:17

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Dhanu

> 19.06.2017, Monday

Time - 12:00 to 12:55

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Meen

> 22.06.2017, Thursday

Time - 12:01 to 12:56

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Vrish

> 26.06.2017, Monday

Time - 12:02 to 12:57

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kark

> 30.06.2017, Friday

Time - 12:03 to 12:58

Chandra Rashi or Moon sign is Kanya

Related Posts - 

(5.1/1) Practical Hints for Muhurat
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(1) Meen Sankranti - Meen Mal Maas period.
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(2) Combustion of Guru ( Jupiter ).
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(3) Combustion of Shukra ( Venus )
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(4) Hari Shayan period.
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(5)Shraadh Paksh.
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(6) Dhanu Sankranti ( Dhanu Mal Maas )
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(7) Holashtak
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(8) Thirteen days Paksh ( Pakhawara ) 
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(5.3.26) Singhast Guru (Guru in the singh Raashi)
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(6.2.1) Adhik Maas 

(10.1.14) Ugadi 2017

Ugadi 2017 / Yugadi 2017

When is Ugadi in 2017

In the year 2016 Ugadi is on Tuesday , 28.03.2017.

1.Important things about Ugadi :-

(1) Ugadi is mainly the festival of Andhra Pradesh and Karnatak .

(2) Ugadi is the combination of two words 'Yug' (which means 'Era') and 'Aadi' (which means beginning'). Thus Ugadi is the beginning of the new year.

(3) It is only a one day festival.

(4) The same day is celebrated as Gudi Padawa in Maharashtra.

(5) The same day is also the first day of the Hindu new year.

(6) It is also the day when Lord Brahma started the creation of this universe.

(7) This day is the day of joy and zeal.

2. Celebrations

People get up early in the morning. They clean their houses and tie fresh mango leaves over the door ways on this day. People plaster the ground in front of their houses with cow dung and draw colourful designs on it. They pray for the health of their family members, prosperity and success in their life. Some people read religious scriptures, chant mantras, listen to the hymns etc. 

It is believed that Udadi is the most auspicious day for starting a new venture and on this day people buy new vehicles and other things. 

3. Panchang Sravanam- 

 Is is also a tradition to go to the temples and listen to the yearly calendar. It is known as Panchang Sravanam. Priest make predictions for the coming year.

4. Ugadi Pachadi - 

Besides Puja and rituals people enjoy traditional dishes. Ugadi pachadi  is a kind of a paste or chatney. This Pachadi is made of Jaggery, raw mango, fresh tamarind, new leaves of the Neem tree and chili powder.This dish is a combination of sweet, sour and bitter taste.This taste represents the taste of life which is also the combination of sweet and bitter experiences. 

They eat this chutney with an empty stomach. It is also served as a Prasad.

Related  Posts you will like to read :- 
(10.1.13) Gudi Padawa 
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(10.1.17) Nav Samwatsar