Ugadi falls in the first month of the Hindu calendar called:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Option (3) Chaitra is correct.
Explanation:
- Ugadi is a New Year festival celebrated in the southern states of Indiaprimarily Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It falls on the first day (Pratipada of the Shukla Paksha) of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The word 'Ugadi' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Yuga' (era/age) and 'Adi' (beginning), meaning 'the beginning of a new era.'
- This festival symbolizes the arrival of the spring season. On this day, nature is rejuvenated, and people prepare a special dish called 'Ugadi Pachadi.' This dish is a blend of six flavors (sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, sour, and astringent), conveying the message that one should accept happiness, sorrow, and all kinds of circumstances in life with equanimity.
Additional Points:
- Vaishakh: This is the second month of the Hindu calendar. Baisakhi in Punjab and Poila Boishakh (New Year) in Bengal are celebrated during this month.
- Magha: This is the eleventh month, during which festivals such as Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami occur.
- Kartika: This is the eighth month, renowned for the festivals of Diwali and Dev Diwali.
- Similar Festivals: On this very first day of Chaitra, 'Gudi Padwa' is celebrated in Maharashtra, and 'Navreh' is celebrated in Kashmir.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
1. Question: How many types of flavors are present in 'Ugadi Pachadi,' the dish prepared on Ugadi?
Answer: 6 flavors (symbolizing the various experiences of life).
2. Question: By what name is Chaitra Pratipada (the day corresponding to Ugadi) known in Maharashtra?
Answer: Gudi Padwa.
3. Question: Which are the first and last months of the Indian National Calendar (Saka Era)? Answer: The first month is 'Chaitra' and the last month is 'Phalguna'.