Da Ra Bendre’s lyrics Yuga Yugadi Kaledaru, Yugadi marali barutide, hosa varushake hosa harushava, hosatu hosatu tarutide ... can neither be forgotten nor done away with as one is connected with the traditions of this festival. With Ugadi marking the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar that is the change in the moon’s orbit, the city is all set to celebrate the new year with great pomp and show.
It’s been a busy week for the Srikantan family as well. The renowned classical musician Dr R K Srikantan takes a step back to soak in the festive spirit and looks at the decorations put up all over the house. The aroma of freshly prepared hollige wafting through the corridors fills the entire house with the colour of festivity.
“Life is a struggle, we have to accept it. Life is a sorrow, we have to overcome it. Life is a joy, we have to spread it,” said Srikantan while conveying Ugadi greetings to all City Express readers. Ugadi in their family begins with waking up before the break of dawn and taking a head-bath (Abhyanjana-snana) later. “The entrance of the house is decorated with mango leaves which signifies general well-being of a community. We then perform pooja to the Hindu calendar, known as Panchangashravana,” he added. Earlier, on this day, calendars were usually read in temples while the priests would make predictions for the coming year based on placement of stars and planets. “This tradition is still followed in our house. We pray for the family’s health, wealth and prosperity and success,” added Srikantan.
Bevu-bella (Neem and jaggery)is shared among the family members as well as visiting friends which indicates that man should rise above his sorrow and happiness, success and failure, and maintain his balance of mind. Speaking about the health benefits, Srikantan explained, “Neem tree in the backyard of any house makes the air healthy and beneficial. Neem leaves have medicinal properties and further boosts the immunity of a person. It is good for skin, blood purification and cardiac problems.”
He regrets the western influence on Indian tradition and culture and adds, “Festivals which are part of our tradition and culture is gradually fading away and losing its significance among the younger generation as our beliefs are totally different from that of western culture.”
As this reporter bid farewell to the family, the musician handed over some Kaju Barfi and Dharwar Peda with his wishes.
