Gudi Padwa

Among Marathi and Konkani Hindus, the traditional new year is Gudhi Padwa, a springtime festival that is also celebrated by other Hindus. According to the lunisolar method of the Hindu calendar, the beginning of the new year is observed in and On the first day of the Chaitra month, celebrations take place all throughout Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.The phrases padava and paadvo derive from the Sanskrit word pratipada, which designates the first day of a lunar fortnight. The spring celebration is observed with an unique Gudhi dvaja, street processions, dancing, and festive fare.

The primary Gudi Padwa rite is raising the gudi.

The first day of the moon’s bright phase is known as gudhi padwa or pdyo in Maharashtra. While Kannada Hindus in Karnataka refer to it as yugdi, Telugu Hindus celebrate the same holiday as Ugadi. The Sindhi community observes this day as Lord Jhulelal’s appearance day and celebrates it as Cheti Chand, the start of the new year. Lord Jhulelal is prayed to, and the holiday is observed by preparing treats like Tahiri (sweet rice) and Sai Bhaji (spinach cooked with a sprinkle of chana dal).

Significance

Gudhi Padva signals the beginning of spring and the time when the crops from the Rabi season will be harvested. The celebration honours the mythical day when the Hindu god Brahma supposedly created the universe and time. Others believe it commemorates Rama’s coronation in Ayodhya following his triumph over the demon Ravana, or alternatively, the beginning of the Shalivahan calendar following his victory against the Huns invasion in the first century.

The festival in rural Maharashtra, according to Anne Feldhaus, is connected to Shiva’s dance and the community coming together as they move the Gudhi Kavads to a Shiva temple.

In the gudi

The various gudi (or gudhi) arrangements at every home during Gudhi Padwa are a noteworthy sight. It is a long bamboo stick with a brightly coloured silk scarf-like fabric tied at the top. A flower garland and one or more boughs made of mango and neem leaves are fastened to the top of it. A pot made of silver, bronze, or copper (handi or kalash) is placed on top of the arrangement to symbolise success or achievement. Each home has the entire arrangement hoisted outward, usually to the right, or through a window or patio. Everyone is able to see it. Villages or neighbourhoods may also organise a group Gudhi Kavad, which they then transport to the neighbourhood Shiva temple.

The following are some benefits associated with raising a Gudhi:When King Shalivahana returned to Paithan, his people raised it as a sign of their victory.Because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, the Gudhi represents the Brahmadhvaj (also known as Brahma’s flag), which is recorded in the Brahma Purana. It might alternatively be Indradhvaj.

The Gudhi historically represents Lord Rama’s victory and joy upon returning to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. The gudhi is constantly held high, just as a victory emblem is (flag). This festival is thought to be observed to remember Rama’s coronation following his return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.

Gudhi is thought to ward off evil, welcome wealth and good fortune into the home.

Festivities

Making a rangoli for Gudhi Padwa, Village homes’ courtyards will be scrubbed clean and freshly coated with cow manure on the celebratory day. Many even take the effort to spring clean in urban areas. On their doorsteps, women and kids create elaborate rangoli patterns, the vivid colours reflecting the springtime explosion of colour. It is a time for family get-togethers and everyone dresses up in new clothing.

Families traditionally cook a distinctive dish that combines several flavours, especially the bitter neem tree leaves and sweet jaggery (gur, gul). Astringent dhane seeds and tart tamarind are other ingredients. Similar to the pacchadi recipe used during the Ugadi festival, this is consumed as a reminder of the good and bad things that life has to offer as well as out of a sense of healthfulness for the neem-based concoction.

On this day, Maharashtrian households prepare a variety of different festive foods, including shrikhand, Poori, and Puran Poli.