Yuga-Adi aka New Beginnings

Dear Chance Blog Readers, 

The auspicious festival of Ugadi is celebrated today with utmost joy and enthusiasm in Karnataka and other South Indian states. Ugadi is observed on the first day of Chaitra according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The name ‘Ugadi’ originated from two Sanskrit words, ‘Yuga’ and ‘Adi’, translating to a new beginning. It is believed that Ugadi was the first day of the creation of the Universe. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the Universe on this day and then days, weeks, months, and years.

Ugadi also marks the onset of spring, which symbolizes renewal, growth, and prosperity. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. In Karnataka, foods such as Holige or Obattu, and mango pickles are made. In addition, a specialty of Yugadi in Karnataka is to create "bEvu-Bella" a mixture of neem and jaggery. This symbolizes life's own experiences with a little bit of bitterness and a hint of sweetness.

Click here for more information about this auspicious day. 

Today marks the first day of Chaitra Navratri. It also marks a personal milestone close to my heart which I would like to share with you all. Today, I experienced the amazing phenomenon of muscle memory firsthand. 

As some of you may know, I first started driving while I was living in the US from 2007-2012. My first internship required me to commute by car and hence had picked up driving back then.  I was in my early twenties in a foreign land away from family at that time. I was also extremely lucky to have a few good friends to guide me, through getting a license and letting me borrow their car for the internship back then.  I was lucky to have done some fun road trips with good friends.

After spending five memorable years there, I moved back to India in 2012(Gurgaon) and later to Bangalore in 2015 for personal reasons. Ever since my move back, I was overwhelmed by anxiety due to the chaotic traffic in India which had deterred me from driving in India(something which I used to enjoy).

I finally picked up the courage and moved beyond my fears today. 

After almost 11 years, I drove to the airport today( a total of 80 km) for the first time since I moved back to India in 2012 from the US😀.   

My husband and I had initially planned to drive around a few streets near our neighborhood (given the long gap). However, as he saw me confidently pick up the wheel, we decided to go farther on busier roads and finally covered 80 km driving on the highway to and from the airport today making it yet another memorable evening. 

Changing, and challenging ourselves is what keeps us alive and growing. It’s always an easier option to give in to our internal negative self-talk or self-limiting beliefs, but if we keep on doing that, our capacity contracts.

The great thing about life is that we can invent ourselves over and over. We can continually discover new skills and new areas of experience as we go through life. It’s sometimes a struggle, but it leads to a vibrant and fulfilled life.

It is frightening to leave the safe ground where the caterpillar dwells and enter a cocoon of unknowingness. But the reward, the sweet reward ...

Picture Credits: Hubby Madhu

is to discover your capability to drive through the chaotic traffic of India, celebrate the randomness of life, thank your lucky stars, and blissfully pose for this picture!! 

Here’s to new beginnings, moving beyond your fears, trying new things, picking new skills, and honing existing ones!! Let's greet "Yug Adi' (Ugadi) with a lot of optimism, excitement, and expectation. Let's hope for plenty of health, happiness, fulfillment, serenity, and wealth.

"'Yug Adi' (Ugadi) means the beginning of a new Yuga (year). Let's begin this new year with new hope. Wishing you and your family an auspicious Ugadi!"