In the Beginning….

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Thus is written the story of creation in Genesis.

In this land of Hinduism, creation is understood to have occurred differently and is celebrated today on Chandramana Ugadi. On this day, it is said, Lord Brahma began his creation. In the trinity of Hindu gods, Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu the preserver and Lord Shiva the destroyer.

There is no single Hindu myth on the origin of the universe. In one myth, the endless cycle of birth, life and death (creation, preservation and destruction) of the universe reinforces the concept of reincarnation. After an Earth age is destroyed nothing is left but a vast universal ocean. Floating on this ocean is the thousand-headed serpent named Ananta or Shesha Nag (Timeless or Ageless snake). Resting within the coils of Ananta is Lord Vishnu. From the navel of Lord Vishnu sprung a lotus flower and from this lotus came Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu then spoke to Lord Brahma, “It is time to begin.”

Another creation story tells how the god Brahma created the primal waters inside a small seed. The seed grew into a golden egg. Brahma split open the egg. From half of the egg comes the heavens; from the other half the Earth.

There are other variations on these stories, but it is sufficient to say Chandramana Ugadi is the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar. The day is celebrated here in the southern state of Karnataka with ritual pooja (worship) and holiday meals.

On Ugadi, people rise early, massage their bodies with sesame oil and then take a ritual bath. Entrances to homes are decorated with fresh mango leaves as a harbinger of good crops. Fresh Rangolis or designs of rice flour are placed before the household doorway. We are not to sure how compliant people are today with another holiday tradition of splashing fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their houses. Families gather and festive meals shared.

Along with social merriment, religious zeal and prayers for health, prosperity and business success, Ugadi is a most auspicious time to start new a venture.

Happy Ugadi Day….may you have a cheerful and prosperous year!