How Ugadi traditions reduce stress and improve emotional health

Hyderabad: Ugadi, the New Year festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, is more than just a cultural event. It represents renewal, introspection and optimism for the future. Psychologists suggest that rituals associated with Ugadi, like cleaning homes, preparing festive foods, and engaging in prayer, act as cognitive anchors, promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress.

The psychological benefits of rituals

Rituals play a significant role in shaping human behaviour and mental states.

Dr Manya Rao, a clinical psychologist, speaking to NewsMeter, explained, “Structured rituals like those observed during Ugadi provide a sense of predictability and control, which are crucial for mental stability. Engaging in familiar traditions activates the brain’s reward system, leading to positive emotions and reduced anxiety.”

One of the most symbolic rituals of Ugadi is the preparation of Ugadi Pachadi, a dish that blends six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—each representing different emotions and experiences in life.

Dr Rao added, “By consciously engaging with all these flavours, people are reminded that life is a mix of experiences, promoting cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience.”

Goal-setting and cognitive reframing

Many people use Ugadi as an opportunity to reflect on their past year and set new goals. This practice aligns with what psychologists call cognitive reframing, where individuals reinterpret their past experiences in a way that supports growth and motivation.

Behavioral scientist Raman Iyer explained, “Goal-setting enhances motivation by triggering the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making. Festivals like Ugadi serve as temporal landmarks, creating a psychological distinction between the past and the future. This makes people more likely to commit to positive changes.”

The reading of the Panchanga (Hindu almanac) during Ugadi serves a similar psychological function. Iyer notes, “Even if predictions are taken with flexibility, the very act of planning for the year ahead provides individuals with a sense of control, which reduces uncertainty-related stress.”

Social bonds and emotional support

Human connection is a key factor in mental well-being. Ugadi brings families and communities together, strengthening social bonds.

Neuroscientist Dr Sunita Mehta explained, “Social interactions release oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, which reduces stress and increases feelings of belonging. Participating in communal celebrations fosters emotional support and enhances overall happiness.”

For those who live away from home, even virtual participation in Ugadi celebrations can have positive effects. Studies show that engaging in cultural traditions, even from a distance, helps maintain a sense of identity and emotional stability.

Faith, gratitude and psychological resilience

Ugadi also has a strong spiritual component, with prayers, temple visits, and traditional discourses forming an essential part of the day. Research in positive psychology suggests that faith and gratitude improve mental resilience.

“Faith-based rituals activate the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory. This helps individuals cope with stress, enhance optimism, and cultivate a growth-oriented mindset,” said Dr Mehta. The gratitude expressed during Ugadi prayers is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that regular gratitude practices improve overall well-being and life satisfaction.

A celebration of psychological well-being

Ugadi is not just a festival; it is a psychological framework for renewal. By engaging in structured traditions, setting personal goals, reconnecting with loved ones, and fostering faith, individuals experience cognitive and emotional benefits that extend beyond the festival. As the new year begins, Ugadi serves as a reminder that every transition in life, whether small or significant, is an opportunity for growth and resilience.