Gudi Padwa, is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. It is the first day of the year for people of Maharashtra and Konkan region.
This year Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 25. The festival holds a lot of significance in Maharashtra and people celebrate the day with grandeur.
Gudi Padwa gets its name from two words – ‘gudi’, meaning flag or emblem of Lord Brahma and ‘padwa’ means the first day of the phase of the moon.
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Brahma had created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa. It is also said that on this day Brahma introduced days, weeks, months and years.
There are 5 key ritual that is done in Guddi Pawda –
1. The holy bath – On this day, people begin their day by taking holy bath and wearing new clothes. This ritual is meant to cleanse their bodies and souls and prepare them for a new dawn. Traditionally, Maharashtrian women wear a kashta or a nauvari — a nine-yard saree tucked at the back, while the men are dressed in a kurta pyjama and sport a saffron or red turban.
2. The traditional rangoli – The women of the house wake up earlier than the men and draw a rangoli in the frontyard. The rangoli is a colourful pattern made from powdered rice, vermillion and turmeric.
3. Flower decoration – In Gudi Padwa, colourful flowers are offered to Lord Brahma while the entrance of the house is adorned with bright coloured festoons and flowers. Flowers signify purity and the fragrance is meant to spread positive energy.
4. The Gudi – On Gudi Padwa, a new kalash made of silver, copper or bronze covered in auspicious red, yellow or saffron cloth is hoisted upside down at the entrance of the house. This is called the Gudi. The Gudi has to be positioned in such a way that is visible from far and doesn’t miss the eye. It’s a sign of prosperity and good things to come.
5. The holy prasad – Gudi Padwa is one of the few festivals where people are treated to a unique preparation made from neem and jaggery. The bitter-sweet flavour is resemblance of the journey of life — mixed with happiness and sorrows.
Gudi Padwa in Coronavirus
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Tuesday asked people to celebrate Gudi Padwa, which marks the beginning of New Year in the state, indoors due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The number of COVID-19 patients in the state stood at 101 as on Tuesday.
