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Ugadi marks the Telugu New Year and is one of the most important festivals celebrated across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The festival usually falls in March or April according to the Hindu lunar calendar and symbolises the beginning of a new year and a fresh cycle of life. Ugadi in 2026 will be celebrated on March 19, with families starting the day with prayers, traditional rituals, and festive meals.
In Hyderabad, Ugadi is celebrated with temple visits, cultural gatherings, and delicious festive dishes like Ugadi Pachadi, pulihora, and bobbatlu. If you're in the city during the festival, here are some of the best places to experience the celebrations.
Begin the Day with Temple Visits
Many devotees start Ugadi morning with prayers at prominent temples across Hyderabad.
Birla Mandir - Located on Naubat Pahad hill, this iconic white marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara attracts thousands of devotees during festival mornings.
Chilkur Balaji Temple - Often called the "Visa Balaji Temple," this temple sees large crowds seeking blessings for prosperity in the new year.
Jagannath Temple Hyderabad - The temple in Banjara Hills is known for its striking architecture and special poojas during major festivals like Ugadi.
Devotees traditionally perform rituals, listen to Panchanga Shravanam (the reading of the Hindu almanac), and seek blessings for the year ahead.
Experience Culture and Festive Traditions
Ugadi is not just about prayers; it is also a celebration of culture and community. Cultural programmes, poetry gatherings, and festive events often take place across the city, reflecting Telangana's rich traditions.
Places like Shilparamam in Madhapur sometimes host handicraft exhibitions, folk performances, and festive shopping stalls where visitors can experience traditional art and crafts.
Don't Miss the Ugadi Feast
No Ugadi celebration is complete without traditional food. The most symbolic dish is Ugadi Pachadi, made with six ingredients representing the different flavours of life; sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy.
Many restaurants and sweet shops across Hyderabad prepare festive delicacies like:
- Bobbatlu (sweet stuffed flatbread)
- Pulihora (tamarind rice)
- Mango-based dishes that celebrate the arrival of spring
A Festival That Welcomes a New Beginning
With temple visits, cultural traditions, and festive food, Ugadi brings a sense of renewal and joy to Hyderabad every year. Whether you choose to attend early morning prayers or simply enjoy a traditional feast with family, the festival offers a meaningful way to welcome the new year in the city.
