Ugadi 2026 Festival Date, Tithi & Holiday Details – March 19
2026 ugadi festival date: Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, is a vibrant festival celebrated as the New Year by the Kannada and Telugu communities.
In 2026, Ugadi falls on Thursday, March 19th. This auspicious day marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically the Chaitra month.
Telugu New Year 19th March 2026 Thursday / गुरुवार
The term “Ugadi” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Yuga” (era) and “Adi” (beginning), symbolizing the start of a new era.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this day. Hence, Ugadi holds immense spiritual and cultural importance.
- Festival Name: Ugadi
- Date in 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Government Holiday Observed On: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:52 AM on March 19, 2026
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 04:52 AM on March 20, 2026
- Lunar Year Begins: Telugu Shaka Samvat 1948
2026 Ugadi Festival Date
| Main Point | Details |
| Festival Name | Ugadi |
| Date in 2026 | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Government Holiday Observed On | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 06:52 AM on March 19, 2026 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 04:52 AM on March 20, 2026 |
| Lunar Year Begins | Telugu Shaka Samvat 1948 |
| States Where Celebrated | AP, DD, DN, GA, GJ, JK, KA, RJ, TG |
| Occasion Significance | Marks Hindu New Year and start of Chaitra month |
| Also Celebrated As | Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa |
| Linked Festival | First day of Chaitra Navratri |
| Religious/Cultural Importance | Beginning of Hindu New Year; celebrated with rituals, decorations, and food |
Rituals and Celebrations
Preparations for Ugadi begin days in advance, with homes being cleaned, decorated with fresh flowers, and adorned with colorful rangolis. Mango leaves are hung at doorways to invite prosperity and good fortune.
On the day of Ugadi:
- People take a holy bath before sunrise.
- Special prayers and rituals are performed to seek blessings for a prosperous year.
- Traditional dishes like Ugadi Pachadi, a unique blend of six flavors symbolizing different emotions of life, are prepared and shared with loved ones.
Cultural events, poetry recitals, and Panchanga Shravanam (listening to the new year’s forecast) are integral parts of the celebrations.
Read also: News Update Festival
Why Celebrate Ugadi?
Ugadi is not just a festival; it is a time for renewal, reflection, and hope. It encourages individuals to embrace new beginnings with positivity and gratitude.
Mark your calendars for March 19, 2026, and immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of Ugadi!
FAQs (People also ask)
Is Ugadi day good or bad?
Ugadi is an important and historic Hindu festival that marks the New Year in the Deccan region.
Who started Ugadi festival?
Lord Brahma
What is Ugadi known as?
A particular name that a person or thing is called is known as a proper noun.
Can we eat chicken on Ugadi day?
This practice is called vegetarian fasting or dietary abstinence for spiritual and religious purity.
