As we welcome the festival of Ugadi, it’s fitting to reflect on the symbolism of its central ritual, the tasting of Ugadi Pachchadi, and how it finds resonance in the narrative of the classic film ‘Lilies of the Field’.

Ugadi Pachchadi is a special dish prepared on this day, symbolizing the essence of life. Each ingredient in this dish represents a different emotion. Sweetness, bitterness, sourness, and other tastes are all combined in this dish, reflecting the various aspects of life. The sweetness may represent moments of joy and success, while the bitterness could signify obstacles and challenges. The sour taste can be a symbol of surprises and unpredictable events in life.

Much like the lessons drawn from the tasting of Ugadi Pachchadi, the classic film ‘Lilies of the Field’ also presents a narrative that is a blend of various life experiences. Released in 1963, the movie tells the story of a passerby who inadvertently becomes part of a monumental task – building a church for a group of nuns. The passerby, played by Sidney Poitier, initially views the task as impossible and expects a reward for his efforts. However, as the story unfolds, both the passerby and the elderly nun leading the group undergo transformative experiences.

Just as the Ugadi Pachchadi combines various tastes, the film combines the themes of faith, cooperation across racial and national lines, and the impact of one’s labor on society. It shows life’s unpredictability and the possibility of finding sweetness in what initially appears to be a bitter experience. Just as the passerby initially sees his task as a burden, he eventually finds a sense of devotion and excellence in the process.

The film also mirrors the symbolism of Ugadi Pachchadi in its exploration of the idea that appearances can be deceiving. What initially appears impossible or daunting may, upon closer inspection, reveal itself to be an opportunity for growth and learning. This reflects the essence of Ugadi Pachchadi, which teaches us to embrace all aspects of life and understand that nothing is as it initially appears.

In conclusion, as we celebrate Ugadi and partake in the tasting of the symbolic Pachchadi, let us remember the lessons it offers. Let’s embrace the unpredictability of life and the varied experiences it brings, much like the characters in ‘Lilies of the Field’. Here’s to a year that, despite its mixture of sweet, sour, and bitter experiences, leads us to growth, understanding, and wisdom.

Additional Trivia: Sidney Poitier, the lead actor of ‘Lilies of the Field’, made history by becoming the first African American to win an Oscar award for his performance in the film. Furthermore, thanks to Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, this classic film is now available for viewing on Amazon Prime.

“Keyurani na bhushayanthi” was the first verse recited every morning in the Sanskrit class on All India Radio (AIR) in past years, delivered with a melodious tune. For those interested, a rendition is available in the linked video.

The meaning of “Keyurani Na Bhushayanti” is profoundly significant. It asserts that a person’s true adornment does not come from bracelets, necklaces that shine like the moon, a clean bath, smearing or anointing, or flowers in the hair. These are mere external decorations, transient and diminishable. In contrast, the verse elevates well-cultured and groomed speech as the real ornament of a person. Such speech, when consistently practiced, does not perish like physical ornaments but remains eternally valued.

Lord Rama embodies this verse through his exemplary speech. In the Valmiki Ramayana, Lord Rama’s eloquence and effective communication mark him as a paragon of virtuous and cultured speech. His words, pleasing and wise, reflect his innate goodness and intelligence, earning him widespread admiration. Thus, Lord Rama personifies the essence of “Keyurani na bhushayanthi,” showcasing wisdom and virtue in speech over physical adornments.

Similarly, #Sai SatCharitra recounts how Shirdi Sai Baba cautioned against speaking ill of others, urging devotees to embrace self-improvement and avoid slander. Chapter XVIII & XIX highlight the importance of pure, kind, and considerate speech and actions. Like Lord Rama, Sai Baba’s teachings embody the verse’s message, emphasizing virtuous speech and actions as the true adornments of a person.

In conclusion, the verse “Keyurani na bhushayanthi” delivers a powerful message about the essence of true adornment. It reminds us that while physical ornaments are ephemeral, the ornament of cultured speech is everlasting and universally esteemed. Through the examples of Lord Rama and Sai Baba, we are inspired to prioritize virtuous and respectful speech, demonstrating wisdom and good conduct. This verse’s profound message continues to inspire and guide us, underscoring the lasting value of our words and actions in daily life.