Telugu New Year day 'Ugadi' being celebrated today

Telugu speaking people across the world are celebrating their Telugu New Year day, Ugaadi today. Though the nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus dampen the traditional fervour and gaiety, people are observing the customary festivities. The festival is being celebrated across the two Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to mark the beginning of the Hindu Lunar calendar.

People across Telangana, both in rural and urban areas are celebrating the Sri Sarvari Nama Ugadi of the Telugu Calendar amidst unprecedented nationwide lockdown. People are asked to remain indoors due to lockdown. They have been asked not to venture out for offering prayers at Temples and Panchanga Shravanam, an ancient practice of listening to the New Year forecast.  People savour special Ugadi chutney today comprising Neem flower, jaggery, salt, sugar cane, tamarind and mango to indicate six basic tastes.

Karnataka celebrates Ugadi, the new year under the shadow of Novel Corona Virus. The entire state is put under lock-down as number of COVID 19 positive cases increases to 41. The Government is readying 20,000 beds and 2,000 ventilators to tackle the eventuality. Speaking at the Legislative Council yesterday, the Deputy Chief Minister



C.N. Ashwath Narayan said that the State has ordered 10 lakh personal protection kits, 15 lakh three-layer masks and 5 lakh N-95 masks in an effort to stem the spread of the disease. The 50 home quarantine enforcement squads are given standard operating procedures and personal protection equipment. They are linked to the health helpline and police helpline numbers.

The squad has so far apprehended three persons who violated the home quarantine advise. The state roads were cleared of vehicle movement and people, as police check posts kept an eye to enforce the lock-down. 

In a press release Chief Minister Yediyurappa has welcomed the call for 21 days lock-down given by the Prime Minister. He has mentioned that the call given by him to the nation to remain indoors is intended to protect the lives of hundreds of people and their families from the agony of the damage caused by virus. He assured people that Government will take all measures to maintain supply of essential items for survival, particularly the poor. It is now the responsibility of every citizen to live within the Lakshman Rekha to break the chain of the pandemic.