Pomp and gaiety marks Ugadi celebrations

Tirupati: Pomp and gaiety marked Ugadi celebrations observed by various institutions, social organisations and temples to mark the advent of (Telugu) New Year Vikari on Saturday in the pilgrim city.

Following the age-old practice Panchanaga Sravanam, cultural programmes and distribution of Ugadi pachadi, a mixture that has different tastes, signifying that life too a mixture of happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear and surprise were held to mark the auspicious occasion.

Under the aegis of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthansm (TTD), Ugadi celebration was conducted in grand manner in Mahati auditorium here. Purana pundit G Balasubramanya Shastri presented Panchanga shravanam.

Ashtavadhanam was also performed by Telugu literate Amudala Murali in which scholars like Narasimhulu, Dr G Chalapathi, Dr G Channakeshavulu, Dr Tejovani, Dr Suhasini, Dr Y Parameswarayya and by Dr EG Hemant Kumar participated.

Speaking on the occasion, TTD Joint Executive Officer (JEO) B Lakshmikantham said Vikari Nama samvatsaram comes once in 60 years and bring a bounty of prosperity and well-being. Ugadi was a festival aimed at projecting good and bad happenings and traditionally reorienting ourselves with divine support to shape up societal harmony, he averred. Later, TTD employees' children presented a traditional dress competition followed by a prize distribution.

The maiden festival of the year as per Telugu calendar, Ugadi was observed with a great aplomb in a traditional manner in all local temples under the umbrella of the TTD. The fete was observed in Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple in Tiruchanur followed by Pushpa Pallaki, while in Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple, Kapileswara Swamy and Kodandarama Swamy temple also Ugadi Asthanam was observed followed by Panchanga Sravanam.

Special poojas performed and the deities adorned with dazzling ornaments feasted the eyes of the devotees, who thronged in big number to offer prayers in the shrines on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi. The temple which thrown open early wore a festive look with floral decoration and colourful electric illuminations. Ugadi was celebrated by Tirupati Brahmana Samajam.

The programme which began with devotional music followed by Panchanga Sravanam. On the occasion, 9 members of Brahmin community were felicitated for their contribution in their respective fields.

They are R Srinivasan (Veda pundit), VY Varadharajan (Acharya Purusha Sri Padmavathi temple), Saravana Manivasaka Gurukul, chief priest Kapileswara temple, NK Nandakumar (Tirumala Potu), Dr DL Hari Rao, Raninagasri Saileswari (SPMVV), M Haranatha Sarma, K Madhav and Bhagavathula Srinivasa Prasad (Photo journalist).

TBS president KV Ranganathan, secretary K Ajay Kumar and others were present. Telugu New Year was also observed at Press Club in Tirupati.