Mid-Year, New Year.

Ugadi, also described as Samvatsari, is celebrated by the population residing in the Deccan area of India as the New Year's Day. The name ‘Ugadi’ is widely considered to have had been derived from the words 'yuga' and 'adi'. The word 'yuga' literally translates into age and 'adi' means beginning; hence it means 'the beginning of a new age' in the language of Sanskrit. According to the most widely accepted and used Gregorian calendar, the dates of Ugadi differ each year as it is based on the Hindu calendar which is a lunisolar calendar. Ugadi marks the first day of Chaitra, which is the first month in the Indian calendar. The month of Chaitra which usually falls in the month of March or April in turn initiates the Saka calendar. This special day, is started with each member of the family undertaking the ritualistic oil bath and the gathering together for prayer meetings and a sumptuous feast. Ugadi or New Year is celebrated with great fanfare all across India under a myriad of names. Whilst the Kannadigas and Telugu people celebrate it as Ugadi, it is celebrated as Gudi Padwa by the Marathis, the Marwaris of Rajasthan call it as Thapna, Cheti Chand by the Sindhis, Punjabis call it Baisakhi, Tamilians as Puthandu and finally as Vishu by the Malayalis. However, tourists can participate in the festivities of the celebrations by heading either to Bangalore or Hyderabad where it is celebrated with earnest ardor and imperforated gaiety and gusto. People can hire cabs in Bangalore and Hyderabad for their visit. 

In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the preparation of special dishes such as Obbattu or Holigey, Bobbattu or Bhakshalu, form an integral part of the festivities and celebrations of Ugadi. These dishes are delicious and are a must have. Apart from these delicacies the Ugadi pachhadi is also prepared for Ugadi. These dishes are made from a specific mixture of six different tastes; and consuming it, symbolizes - life as a mixture of different experiences (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise). The special mixture is comprised of green chilly or pepper signifying anger; tamarind Juice signifying disgust; salt signifying fear; jaggery and ripe banana pieces signifying happiness; neem buds or flowers which signifies sadness and finally the raw mango signifying surprise. Visitors can travel to any of the sundry restaurants which are spread all over Bangalore which serve special meals on Ugadi. Bangalore taxis ensure that the journey within the city, as well to nearby places are comfortable and economical. Ugadi would be celebrated at 12.00 am on the 11th of April in 2013.