Yugadi or Ugadi is the first day of the Hindu calendar (first day of the first month, the Chaitra).

In Karnataka and also in some parts of the country, the tender leaves of neem mixed with jaggery are distributed on the occasion. The neem, extremely bitter in taste, and jaggery sweet and delicious, signify the two conflicting aspects of human life - joy and sorrow, called as ‘Bevu-Bella’ (a mixture of neem and jaggery in equal measure). This denotes the acceptance by man of all the sweet (jaggery) and bitter (neem) things that are in store for him in the coming year, with gratitude.

People look forward on this occasion is the Obattu, a sweet prepared mostly in Karnataka which comes in various varieties like Kai Obbattu, Bele Obbattu, Sakkare Obbattu etc.

Another important festival for the Kannadigas.