Ugadi marks the traditional Hindu New Year according to the lunisolar calendar followed in parts of South India. The festival is widely celebrated by communities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka (where it is called Yugadi) and by Telugu and Kannada diaspora communities around the world. Ugadi symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle of time, renewal of life, and the opportunity to begin the year with prayer, reflection, and auspicious rituals. Temples and homes observe the day with special pujas, festive foods, and readings of the annual almanac (Panchanga).

According to traditional Hindu calendrical systems described in classical Panchanga traditions and widely referenced by institutions such as the Hindu Calendar authorities and major temples, the year beginning in 2026 is called Parabhava Nama Samvatsaram, one of the sixty-year cyclical names used in the traditional calendar. Ugadi falls on March 19, 2026, marking the start of the Chaitra month. The day is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and other deities, and listening to the Panchanga Patanam, where priests explain the astrological outlook and spiritual significance for the coming year.

At Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, Maryland, Ugadi will be observed on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with sacred rituals including Sivagni, Maha Ganapati Homam, Medha Suktha Homam, multiple Abhishekams to various deities, Panchanga Patanam (almanac reading), and Srinivasa Kalyana Utsavam in the evening. A special Ugadi Celebration Day will also be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, beginning with Suprabhatam followed by homams, Abhishekams, Panchanga Patanam, Srinivasa Kalyana Utsavam, and Vishesha Arati to all deities.

Devotees are warmly invited to participate in these sacred celebrations and begin the new year with blessings and community fellowship. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance for the Ugadi Bhojanam on March 21 by clicking the registration link at the bottom of the event page to reserve their seats and join the temple community in welcoming the new year with devotion and joy.