Hyderabad, March 31 (IANS) Telugu-speaking people of Telangana and Seemandhra Monday ushered in Telugu New Year 'Ugadi' in a traditional manner and with gaiety, but the election model code of conduct dampened the festive spirit.
Telugus in both the regions decorated their houses and shops with mango leaves, tasted the traditional 'Ugadi pacchadi' and heard 'panchangnam' or the forecast of the coming year by 'agma' pundits.
This is the first Telugu New Year after parliament last month passed a legislation to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh (Seemandhra) will formally come into being as separate states June 2.
As the state is under President's rule, it was Chief Secretary P. K. Mohanty who was the chief guest at the main official function held here.
People in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad thronged the temples since early morning to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
However, the model code of conduct which is in force for assembly and Lok Sabha elections April 30 and May 7, dampened the 'Ugadi' spirit as the political parties and their leaders were barred from organizing the festivities.
The election authorities have warned that the political leaders organizing feast and distributing clothes or other gifts to public would face action. The state chief electoral officer constituted special teams to check the violations.
The sale of electronic goods, clothes and other items has also come down drastically due to the restrictions imposed by the election authorities. According to traders, people this time did not make bulk purchase as carrying huge amount of cash has become risky in view of the searches being conducted by the police. Even the banks have been asked to monitor transactions of above Rs.1 lakh.
Police have seized more than Rs.65 crore unaccounted cash across the state since the poll schedule was announced early this month. Police officials believe a part of the money was being carried to bribe the voters.
Women prepared 'Ugadi pacchadi', a mixture of neem buds, raw mango, tamarind juice, pepper, jaggery and salt - a must for the celebrations. The mixture symbolizes that life is a mixture of different experiences like happiness and sadness, which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Thousands of devotees thronged the temples in both the regions. Special prayers were held at Tirumala, Srisailam and Vijayawada temples. People also attend special functions where the pundits read out 'panchangnam' or religious almanac of the coming year. Literary discussions, poetry recitations, recognition of authors through award and cultural programmes marked the day.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion of 'Ugadi' and hoped that the New Year would bring happiness and prosperity for Telugus around the world.
Israel Hamas War: Doubt over the deal for the release of hostages, Hamas has not yet approved
Talks are taking place between Israel and Hamas for the release of the hostages. Qatar, Egypt, and America are also involved in this conversation. Recently, Qatar announced that Hamas has agreed to
Weather Update: Monsoon speed weakens in Delhi! Heavy rain in many states including UP-Bihar; Know the latest weather condition
An orange alert was issued for rain in the national capital Delhi for the last two days, but Delhiites have not gotten relief from the humid heat. The weather department's forecast proved completely
Health Minister said - Festive season and increased risk of cold infection increase, the next two and a half months the most difficult; Patients crossed 74 million
The number of corona patients in the country crossed 74 lakh on Friday. So far 74 lakh 30 thousand 635 people have been found infected. It is a matter of relief that 65 lakh 21 thousand 634 people
Heritage conservation in BJP manifesto
New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) Heritage sites, Indian languages, handicrafts and artisans along with key issues of development and economy find place in the BJP manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said when PM Modi met Xi Jinping 18 times
India's foreign minister S Jaishankar has indicated in a special interview with the English newspaper 'The Hindu' that it may take a long time to resolve the dispute with China over the Line of
Sri Lanka Economic Crisis: Bicycle has now become Sahara in Sri Lanka, demand increased due to shortage of oil and expensive price
Sri Lanka is grappling with a historic economic crisis. From food items to fuel, the prices of everything have increased wildly and now even getting them is becoming difficult. The wheels of the
Closer to solution in Jadavpur impasse: Bengal minister
Kolkata, Jan 9 (IANS) West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who Friday met a section of protesting students of Jadavpur University and apprised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the
Cryptocurrency: The crypto market remains bullish, with Bitcoin up 2% while Ethereum is up 4%
The cryptocurrency market has been able to maintain its gains during the last 24 hours due to the increase in volume. On Tuesday, bitcoin is trading above 24000 US dollars. The boom seen in bitcoin is
Iranian women took to the streets against the hijab: and publicly removed the veil in protest against the Islamic law, put the video on social media
Iran is one of the countries where wearing an Islamic hijab is mandatory for women. Iranian women on Tuesday launched an anti-hijab campaign across the country and posted a video on social media
21st day of the attack on Ukraine: Ukraine claims - Russians capture Mariupol hospital, 400 hostages; 35-hour curfew in Kyiv
Today is the 21st day of the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia is constantly bombing civilian areas in Ukrainian cities. Many Indians were trapped during the attack. They are also being brought back via
