Ugadi — Puja, Pachadi and Panchanga Shravanam

Ugadi (yuga + adi, 'start of an age') marks the new year when Brahma began creation. The day starts with an oil bath and puja, and everyone eats Ugadi pachadi — a mix of six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, tangy) reminding us to welcome all experiences of the coming year with an even mind.