Across the whole of India, the festival of Ugadi, which signifies the beginning of spring and the end of winter, is celebrated with a great deal of fervour. This event, which marks the beginning of the harvest season, is celebrated with a variety of rites and customs.
Different parts of the country have different names for the celebration of this happy event. As an example, West Bengal celebrates Poila Boishak and Maharashtra celebrates Gudi Padwa. But the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka celebrate Ugadi instead of Yugadi.
For people in South India, Ugadi is a very important day because they think it is when Lord Brahma made the universe. This happy day is also the start of the sixty-year cycle, which is called Samvatsara.
In the past, people enjoyed Ugadi by taking an oil bath and eating neem leaves. Mango Pachadi, a tasty meal made from young mangoes, is one of the most important things that people do to get ready for this holiday. With its mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors, mango pachadi represents the different tastes of life. It also represents the different events that the new year may bring.
As Ugadi approaches on April 9, here's a simple recipe for making Mango Pachadi at home:
Ingredients:
1 Raw mango, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup Scraped coconut
2 tablespoons Mustard seeds
2 Green chilies
1 cup Yogurt
To taste: Salt
A pinch of Sugar
Method:
1. Boil the raw mango in one cup of water until tender, then set aside.
2. Grind scraped coconut, green chillies, and mustard seeds into a fine paste, adding water as needed.
3. In a pan, combine the boiled mangoes with the ground paste and boil for about a minute.
4. Reduce the flame and add yogurt to the mixture, stirring well.
5. Cook for some time until everything blends together.
6. Turn off the flame and add salt and sugar, mixing thoroughly.
This Mango Pachadi recipe is not only delicious but also a perfect way to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Ugadi with your loved ones.
(Recipe: Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef)