Today, New Year festival Ugadi was celebrated around the state of Karnataka where the joy of the festival spread to every corner of the state. In Kodagu district, too, Ugadi was greeted with devotion and happiness by families and devotees. Special prayers filled the temples from the early hours, the people in new clothes united and joined together at the start of the year to witness it with religious belief and tradition.
Ugadi is a big festival in South India, meaning in Hindu calendar as the beginning of the year. Rituals, prayers and family gatherings mark its observance. Also on the menu is the tradition of consumption of “bevu‑bella” (a combination of neem leaves and jaggery) that embodies the bitter and sweet of life. As a city with a rich culture, Kodagu welcomed the festival with gusto and dedication.
Kodagu: Temples became the hub of activity in early morning hours. Devotees arrived with their clansmen, in new clothes, to offer prayers and wish them the blessing of the year ahead. "Pujas" were performed at the historic Omkareshwara Temple, where priests offered their bevu‑bella to the devotees. Long waiting lines formed to receive the sacred offering, which was treated with reverence. They were filled with chants, prayers and joy of joining forces.
In Kodagu, which is home to Ugadi celebrations, tradition and community spirit are so important.
- Faith and Devotion: The special pujas and rituals are a reminder of the spiritual relevance of Ugadi.
- Family Bonding: Families in temples are evidence of the cultural significance of unity.
- Symbolism of Bevu‑Bella: The distribution of neem and jaggery fosters acceptance of the ups and downs in life.
- Cultural Continuity: The celebrations remind us how ancient traditions persist in our day.
Devotees spoke of being happy to share the celebrations. Most mentioned that Ugadi is more than just rituals, but also about the start of the year with hope and positivity. The priests of Omkareshwara Temple also received credit for organising the puja and guaranteeing all devotees would receive bevu‑bella. The festival filled Kodagu, with people visiting temples, meeting one another and sharing joy all over.
Ugadi: An era of devotion, tradition and community in Kodagu. In temple celebrations -- such as Omkareshwara Temple -- many people gathered in prayer and joy. Bevu‑bella represents a journey through life and the festival reminded everyone that the main strengths to take on into this new year are faith, family, and resilience.
