The Ugadi festival in Karnataka is celebrated by several customs that start early in the morning. The “oil bath,” the first ritual, is a symbolic purifying procedure that gets people ready for the new year. Fresh mango leaves and colorful flowers are used to decorate homes, making the environment pleasing and fortunate. Colorful rangolis are used as decorations for each home’s entrance, symbolizing prosperity and happiness within the family.
One of the most important Ugadi rituals is the preparation and consumption of “Bevu Bella,” a traditional mixture that represents the sweet and bitter aspects of life. This concoction, which is made with neem buds, jaggery, tamarind, raw mango, and a pinch of pepper, serves as a gentle reminder to accept every moment of life.