DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS, Government of Mizoram, India

Dignitaries, invitees, dear friends

Chibai. Namaskaram.

I am pleased to welcome all of you tonight at this vibrant celebration of Ugadi festival at Raj Bhavan.

Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, is a traditional festival celebrated primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

The word 'Ugadi' is derived from two Sanskrit words - 'yuga' meaning era or age, and 'adi' meaning the beginning.

Therefore, Ugadi signifies the beginning of a new era or a fresh start.

This festival is a time of joyous celebration, symbolizing the onset of spring and the rejuvenation of nature.

It is observed with various rituals and customs, like the practice of wearing new clothes, decorating homes with mango leaves and rangolis, preparation of festive meals, prayers, offerings, greetings and blessings.

It is believed that whatever happens on this day sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Central to this celebration is 'Ugadi Pachadi,' a unique dish made with six different tastes - sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy, and spicy. This unique blend of flavors each represents a different experience of life.

It includes jaggery – symbolising happiness, tamarind – symbolising challenges, neem flowers – signifying bitterness, raw mango – depicting surprises, salt – denoting fear, and chilli – which signifies anger.

Just as the flavors in the Pachadi complement each other to result in a flavorful dish, so do the experiences in our lives. The dish reminds us to embrace the entirety of our life journey and welcome the New Year with open arms.

In Maharashtra, today is also celebrated as Gudi Padwa. Popularly known as Samvatsara Padvo, Gudi Padwa marks the first day of the Marathi New Year.

In Maharashtra, the festival is characterized by the hoisting of Gudi flags, which symbolize victory and prosperity, and a delicious spread featuring Puran Poli and Shrikhand is enjoyed with family and friends.

The coming April 14th also marks The Bohag Bihu festival of Assam. Also called the Rongali Bihu, Bohag Bihu heralds the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring.

It is the most important Bihu festival among the three celebrated in Assam. Agricultural in nature, the festival is celebrated for seven days with great enthusiasm and joy.

What is apparent is that India celebrates various harvest festivals across different regions, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and significance.

The Baisakhi festival celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, Mesadi of Karnataka, Pana Sankranti of Odisha, and Vishu, a celebration of the Malayali New Year in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Tonight’s celebration is unique in that it is inter-cultural and reminds us that even our regional festivals can be celebrated collaboratively.

Beyond the borders of customs, language, and religion, we are all part of one nation, sharing a commitment to building a country where our cultural differences are celebrated.

Let us take this opportunity to start afresh and embrace all the opportunities and challenges that the Year brings.