Ugadi will be officially celebrated at the national level by the Telugu community tomorrow at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) in Moka. The guest of honor will be none other than the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement of India, Dr. V. Srinivas Goud, and his delegation as well as several high political figures and representatives of many socio-cultural and religious associations of the country have indicated their intention to participate in this event. A cultural program is also planned to celebrate the Ugadi festival.
The president of the Mauritius Telegu Maha Sabha, Narainsamy Sanyasi (MGOSK, MSK), who had at his side, Dharamrajoo Narainsamy, first pointed out that this festival was decreed a public holiday in 1965 and celebrated for the first time before Mauritius gained its independence. “In 1962, the first activities were held in Taher Bagh with the participation of about 4000 people,” he added.
Moreover, Narainsamy Sanyasi, emphasized that Ugadi has two aspects, cultural and religious. He explained that on the day of the festival, the Telegu wake up very early in the morning to do their rituals, decorate their houses and go to the temples to say a special prayer. Also, they listen carefully to the reading of the ‘penchangam’ (a sacred book by the Indian sages who are part of the Telegu community) which considers the nine planetary systems, which give an indication on politics, agriculture, health, finances and climate, among others.
He also maintained that the preparations for the festival begin no less than 15 days before, including a great cleaning of the house, the purchase of new clothes and the holding of many cultural programs to further enhance the arts and traditions of Telegu. The long day ends with a cake sharing and a big dinner that brings the whole family together, followed by the exchange of gifts.
Maintaining that the Mauritius Telegu Maha Sabha has about 5,000 members, the president of this society suggests that the Ougadi (Telegu New Year) marks the first day of the lunar calendar. “The name Ugadi is composed of two words, including ‘yugam’, which means new era, and ‘Adi’ for the beginning. In India, the land of origin of our beliefs and traditions, the festival coincides with the change of season. Hence the importance of the celebration in great pomp. In Mauritius, India and other countries of the world, the tradition continues and Ougadi is celebrated with pomp and fervor for the well-being of the teleguans, but also for the flourishing of the teleguan language,” he says.
Le Matinal Media wishes a very happy Ugadi holiday to all Mauritians of the Telegu faith.
