Ugadi 2026 Date, Muhurat & Gold Buying Guide

Ugadi 2026, also known as Yugadi or Telugu/Kannada New Year, is a vibrant Hindu festival marking the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Celebrated primarily in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka (and coinciding with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra), it falls on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

This auspicious day welcomes spring, renewal, and prosperity. Families perform rituals, prepare special foods like Ugadi Pachadi, hoist the Gudi flag, and seek blessings for health, wealth, and success in the coming year.

Ugadi 2026 Key Date and Muhurat Timings

Ugadi 2026 occurs on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.

• Pratipada Tithi Begins: Around 6:52 AM on March 19, 2026
• Pratipada Tithi Ends: Around 4:52 AM on March 20, 2026

(The exact timings may vary slightly by location and local Panchang; consult a regional astrologer or Drik Panchang for precise city-based adjustments, such as Hyderabad or Bengaluru.)

The entire Pratipada Tithi is highly auspicious for puja, new beginnings, and positive activities. The day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the cycle of life’s six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent) through Ugadi Pachadi.

Best Time for Puja on Ugadi 2026

Ugadi puja is typically performed early in the morning after an oil bath and wearing new clothes. The most ideal window is during the Pratipada Tithi starting from sunrise (around 6:30-7:00 AM, depending on location).

• Recommended Puja Muhurat: From sunrise to midday (avoid Rahu Kalam and other inauspicious periods per daily Panchang).
• Key rituals include: Cleaning the home, drawing rangoli, decorating with mango leaves, installing the Kalasha, offering prayers to Lord Brahma (creator of the universe), Lord Vishnu, and family deities, listening to Panchanga Sravanam (annual predictions), and consuming Ugadi Pachadi.

Performing puja during this Shubh Muhurat invites divine blessings for prosperity and harmony.

Auspicious Timings for Buying Gold on Ugadi 2026

Ugadi is one of the highly favorable days for purchasing gold, symbolizing wealth and eternal prosperity. Many consider it part of the “Sade Teen Muhurat” (highly auspicious periods with no bad timings).

• Best Time to Buy Gold: Throughout March 19, 2026 (Thursday), especially during the Pratipada Tithi window. Morning hours after puja are preferred for maximum benefits.
• Why Ugadi? Buying gold on this New Year day is believed to ensure continuous growth in wealth, similar to Akshaya Tritiya traditions.

Gold purchases on Ugadi often include jewelry, coins, or bars as investments for family well-being.

Starting New Ventures on Ugadi 2026

Ugadi marks fresh beginnings, making it perfect for launching businesses, investments, job changes, or new projects.

• Auspicious Window for New Ventures: During the Pratipada Tithi on March 19, 2026, particularly in the morning or favorable Choghadiya Muhurats (check local Panchang for Abhijit Muhurat or Amrit Choghadiya).
• Traditions encourage: Housewarmings (Griha Pravesh in some cases), starting education, signing deals, or planting seeds—symbolizing growth and success.

Avoid inauspicious yogas; the day’s overall energy supports positive starts.

Why Ugadi 2026 is Special

Ugadi celebrates renewal after winter, aligning with nature’s rebirth. The festival reminds us that life brings a mix of experiences (like the six flavors in Pachadi), but optimism prevails.

Celebrate with family gatherings, traditional foods, temple visits, and positive intentions for the year ahead.

Ugadi 2026 Wishes: May this Ugadi bring you health, happiness, wealth, and success! Subh Ugadi / Happy Yugadi!

For personalized Muhurat or detailed Panchang, refer to trusted sources like DrikPanchang or consult a local astrologer. Visit www.hindutone.com for more Hindu festival guides, rituals, and auspicious dates.

Note: All timings are approximate and based on standard North Indian/New Delhi references; regional variations apply.

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Ugadi Vratam: Fasting Rules, Benefits, and How to Observe It Top 10 Delicious Ugadi Recipes You Must Try How to Perform Ugadi Puja at Home: Step-by-Step Guide Ugadi in Mythology: Stories and Legends Associated with the Festival Ugadi Quotes and Wishes: Best Messages to Share with Family and Friends Ugadi 2026 Special Recipes: Traditional Foods like Bobbatlu, Pulihora, Payasam & Ugadi Pachadi Variations