Hyderabad: Telugu-speaking people of Telangana and Seemandhra on Monday ushered in Telugu New Year 'Ugadi' in a traditional manner and with gaiety, but the election model code of conduct dampened the festive spirit.
Telugus in both the regions decorated their houses and shops with mango leaves, tasted the traditional 'Ugadi pacchadi' and heard 'panchangnam' or the forecast of the coming year by 'agma' pundits.
This is the first Telugu New Year after parliament last month passed a legislation to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh (Seemandhra) will formally come into being as separate states June 2.
As the state is under President's rule, it was Chief Secretary P. K. Mohanty who was the chief guest at the main official function held here.
People in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad thronged the temples since early morning to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
However, the model code of conduct which is in force for assembly and Lok Sabha elections April 30 and May 7, dampened the 'Ugadi' spirit as the political parties and their leaders were barred from organizing the festivities.
The election authorities have warned that the political leaders organizing feast and distributing clothes or other gifts to public would face action. The state chief electoral officer constituted special teams to check the violations.
