Celebrate Ugadi 2025 on Sunday, March 30, in London. Explore the significance, rituals, and timing for this Telugu New Year, which marks the start of a new Samvatsara with prayers, oil baths, and traditional customs.
Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, marks the Telugu New Year and is celebrated with fervor by people from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. In 2025, Ugadi falls on Sunday, March 30, and it is an important occasion for the people of these regions. Ugadi is celebrated as the beginning of a new cycle in the Samvatsara (Hindu calendar), marking the start of a fresh year according to the Luni-Solar calendar.
Ugadi in 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, marking the first day of the year for people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The Pratipada Tithi for Ugadi begins on March 29, 2025, at 10:57 PM and ends on March 30, 2025, at 08:19 AM in London, United Kingdom. This day, following the Luni-Solar calendar, symbolizes the start of a new Samvatsara, a 60-year cycle, and is observed with rituals like oil baths, prayers, and eating neem leaves for health and prosperity in the coming year.
Ugadi is the day when a new Samvatsara (the cycle of sixty years) begins. Each of the 60 Samvatsaras has a unique name. The day marks the transition from the old year to the new, both symbolically and spiritually, as people pray for health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year.
Ugadi begins with a ritual oil bath, followed by prayers and the consumption of neem leaves, which are traditionally believed to purify the body and mind. Eating neem leaves along with jaggery (called Neem with Mishri) is a customary ritual observed on the first day of Ugadi, symbolizing the sweet and bitter experiences of life. This marks the beginning of the new year with a balanced perspective.
Additionally, North Indians do not celebrate Ugadi but begin the nine-day Chaitra Navratri Puja on the same day.
Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and across Tamil communities globally to express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. In 2025, Pongal will be celebrated from Tuesday, January 14 to Friday, January 17. The four days are: Bhogi (January 14, 2025), dedicated to Lord Indra and marking the clearing of old possessions; Thai Pongal (January 15, 2025), the main day for thanking the Sun God for the harvest; Mattu Pongal (January 16, 2025), honoring cattle for their role in agriculture; and Kaanum Pongal (January 17, 2025), a day for family reunions and social celebrations. These days are filled with rituals, significance, and joy, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tamil communities worldwide.
Ahoi Ashtami, a revered festival for mothers, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. This festival holds special significance for women who fast for the health and wellbeing of their children. Traditionally observed for sons, the modern-day observance includes prayers for the wellbeing of both sons and daughters. The fast is broken during twilight after sighting the stars in the sky, which will occur at 18:24 in London on this day. For those who follow the custom of breaking the fast after moonrise, the moon will rise at 22:14 on Ahoi Ashtami.
Ahoi Ashtami, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the wellbeing of children, will be celebrated on October 13, 2025. The festival, observed mainly by mothers, involves fasting and performing prayers for the health and prosperity of sons and daughters. The Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat for 2025 is from 18:11 to 19:30 (UK time). This auspicious occasion is marked by devotion and rituals, with many families gathering to perform the prayers at home or at community temples.
Chaitra Navratri 2025 will be celebrated from March 30 to April 6. For Hindus in the UK, this auspicious nine-day festival is not just a time for religious devotion, but also a meaningful cultural celebration marking the Hindu New Year and the arrival of spring. Also known as Vasanta Navratri, it honours the nine forms of Goddess Durga, symbolizing strength, renewal, and feminine power. In this article, we explore the dates, rituals, significance, and special events happening across the UK for Chaitra Navratri 2025.
Dhanteras 2024 will be celebrated on October 29 in the UK. The auspicious time for Dhanteras puja is from 7:04 PM to 8:27 PM. Discover the significance, traditions, and events happening in London to celebrate this festive occasion.