Ugadi: Spring Festival of the Telugus

Celebrate the springtime Telugu festival, Ugadi, with the Rubin Museum’s New York City–based community partner Telugu Literary and Cultural Association, which represents the largest Telugu-speaking population in the world outside of India.

Ugadi, or Yugadi, is celebrated as the first day of the New Year by people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, as well as Telugu-speaking communities all over the world. On this day, people make a special chutney called Ugadi Pachadi, with each family putting its own unique spin on the recipe.

Traditionally, each family member consumes a teaspoon of Ugadi Pachadi, which features six symbolic flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and spicy) that represent the upcoming experiences and emotions of the New Year.

This afternoon event includes an invocation, group classical dance, and live, interactive preparation of the chutney. Register in advance to receive a list of ingredients to make the chutney from home along with us.

This program is hosted by Tashi Chodron, Himalayan Cultural Programs and Partnerships, Rubin Museum of Art, and followed by a Q&A.

You can participate and prepare the Ugadi Pachadi during the program! Download the recipe.

Telugu Literary and Cultural Association (TLCA) is a nonprofit organization and the first Telugu association to be established in North America. Founded in 1971, the organization is home to Telugu-speaking Indians who originate from the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The United States has the highest Telugu population in the world outside of India at approximately half a million people.

TLCA’s mission is to preserve the Telugu culture and its linguistic heritage for current and future generations of Telugu people.

Members take pride in the community developed by TLCA, which allows them to celebrate the Telugu language and its rich traditions while contributing to their children’s social and emotional development.