RIVERSIDE: On Sunday, Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir held a special function to observe Ugadi, the spring celebration that marks the New Year for many regions in South India. The Mandir was scented with jasmine from the many fragrant garlands made by devotees to adorn the deities. The ladies of the Festivals Committee dressed in green saris added their own special colorful touch of spring.

The program began with puja followed by recitation of Vishnu Sahastanaam led by Raji and Pani Chakrapani. The audience of approximately 200 especially enjoyed the cultural program since it included talented performers representing the areas of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, regions where Ugadi is celebrated.

A very talented Suhasini danced Bharatnatyam. Ketaki Panse explained that Ugadi is known as "Gudipadava" in Maharashtra since gudis are hung in windows in that region. Sarada Balaji helped her daughter Swati with her presentation of a traditional musical recitation. Bhajans were sung by Raji and Pani Chakrapani accompanied by Head Priest Shukavak Dasa on mridanga.

The group from Karnataka consisted of Nalini, Ramakrishan, Vydevi Amma, Suma Hareesh, Nandini, Pramod, Vishnu Bachani, Sagarika, Anuka Keshavan and Swarnalata on keyboard. To thank each child participant, Mandir President Kishore Sehgal and Dr. Shukavak Dasa gave each an envelope with an ice cream certificate.

Shanta Hareesh and Simran Sekhoa described the traditions of Ugadi. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and Rangoli designs. Special dishes are prepared that combine sweet with sour, especially Ugadi Pacchadi, a chutney made from neem flowers, mango juice, honey, sugar and other ingredients.

This is symbolic of life, which is a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow. The primary message of the Ugadi festival is that all experiences should be treated with equanimity. It is believed that on Ugadi Brahma created Earth.