Ugadi Pachadi

Ugadi or Yugadi comes from two different words—yug (era) and adi (beginning) that literally stands for the term ‘new beginnings’. Ugadi Pachadi incorporates the six tastes (shadruchulu) found in nature which represent the various emotions—sweet (happiness), sour (disgust), tangy (surprise), spicy (anger), bitter (sadness), and salty (fear). Having Ugadi Pachadi is a symbolic reminder to one and all to face life with equanimity and experience all types of flavours that life has to offer throughout the year. Let’s begin the year with the simple yet delicious drink of Pachadi.

Ingredients:
Sweet: 2 tbsp jaggery/gud – grated fine.
Sour: 1 tsp tamarind pulp
Tangy: 1/4 raw mango – cut to very small pieces with skin.
Spicy: 2 green chillies – cut to very small pieces or 1/4 tsp red chilli powder.
Bitter: 6-8 flowers of margosa/ neem.
Salty: 1/4 tsp salt.
Water: 1 Cup.

Method:
1. Tamarind pulp is made by soaking tamarind in water for around 30 to 40 minutes.
2. Squeeze the tamarind pulp and keep it aside.
3. Take the pot and pour water in it, add the tamarind pulp to it and mix well.
4. Now, add the jaggery and stir it till the jaggery dissolves.
5. Add the small pieces of raw mango.
6. Add the fresh neem flowers.
7. At the end, add the chopped green chillies or red chilli powder.
8. Offer this as Naivedyam to God and then serve as prasadam to all.