Kuala Lumpur: The spirit of the Ugadi New Year festival, celebrated by the Telugu community today, is in line with the principles of national unity because it is based on joy, togetherness, and welfare, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He emphasized that being a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, Malaysia is rich in cultural diversity, which is a valuable asset in strengthening national unity, and Ugadi is one of such celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron stated that in efforts to enhance harmony, understanding the traditions and cultures of every community is the main step towards building a community that respects one another. “For example, Ugadi is not just a celebration but also a reflection of values that can be learned and appreciated together,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Aaron also highlighted that mutual respect is crucial to creating a peaceful and harmonious living environment among different communities. “In Malaysia’s diverse society, every festival must be celebrated with tolerance and respect for each other’s beliefs and customs. We must also embrace diversity as a country’s strength that can make us more united. When we accept differences with an open heart, we not only strengthen unity but also create a society that is more inclusive and progressive,” he added.

He expressed hope that the celebration of Ugadi, which marks the start of the new year in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, will bring blessings, success, and joy to all who celebrate it. Ugadi, derived from the Sanskrit words “Yuga” (era) and “Adi” (beginning), is the beginning of the Telugu New Year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, particularly celebrated with great fervor by communities in South India, like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. In Malaysia, it is celebrated by the Telugu community as the beginning of a new year, bringing hope and renewal.