When is Ugadi in 2026?

Which story is remembered?

Ugadi (from yuga + adi, 'the beginning of an age') is believed by tradition to mark the day Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe. It also commemorates, in some accounts, the start of the Shalivahana era. The Gudi Padwa form in Maharashtra is further linked to Rama's victorious return to Ayodhya and the raising of the Gudi (a victory banner). The day inaugurates a new samvatsara, the named year of the sixty-year cycle.

Puja vidhi for Ugadi

1. 1

   Cleaning and decorating homes with mango-leaf torans and rangoli

2. 2

   Taking a ritual oil bath at dawn before worship

3. 3

   Eating Ugadi Pachadi — a dish blending six tastes symbolising life's experiences

4. 4

   Raising the Gudi (a decorated banner) outside homes in Maharashtra

5. 5

   Listening to the Panchanga Sravanam — the year's almanac predictions

6. 6

   Preparing festive meals and beginning new ventures and purchases

Offerings and festive foods

What families prepare and offer on Ugadi.

• Ugadi pachadi of six tastes: neem flowers, jaggery, tamarind, raw mango, salt and chilli
• Bobbattu or puran poli
• Torans of mango leaves at the door
• Neem leaves with jaggery in Gudi Padwa homes
• A gudi raised at the window with silk, a garland and an upturned kalash

Mantras to chant

Chant with a clear sankalp, facing east or north, on a mala if you keep one.

Navagraha Mantra

Om Suryaya Namah | Om Chandraya Namah | Om Mangalaya Namah | Om Budhaya Namah | Om Gurave Namah | Om Shukraya Namah | Om Shanicharaya Namah | Om Rahave Namah | Om Ketave Namah

A prayer to all nine grahas for balance

Meaning and how to chant

Ganesh Mantra

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

A prayer before every new beginning

Meaning and how to chant

Names and customs across India

The same lunar new-year day is Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa, and is related to Cheti Chand for Sindhis and Navreh in Kashmir. The signature Ugadi Pachadi of six tastes is distinctive to the Telugu and Kannada celebration, while the raised Gudi banner characterises the Marathi observance. All share the theme of spring renewal and a fresh year.

Which classical sources guide the practice?

This occurrence follows the date record's stated confidence. For formal worship, confirm the local panchang and temple's announced schedule; a Gregorian date alone does not settle the city-specific ritual window.