Gudi Padwa, also called Samvatsar Padvo, is a Hindu festival observed by Maharashtrians and Konkanis on the first day of the Chaitra month.
When Is Gudi Padwa Celebrated?
This year, the Gudi Padwa festival will be held on Saturday, 2 April. This beneficial festival is commemorated on the first day of Chaitra, the Hindu calendar’s first month.
Gudi Padwa is an important festival in Maharashtra. The Konkani community identifies the Gudi Padwa festival as Samwatsara, whereas sections of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh celebrate it as Ugadi.
How Is It Celebrated?
The celebration is widely celebrated due to its historical importance. It is called from two words: “Gudi”, which refers to Lord Brahma’s symbol or flag, and “Padwa,” which refers to the first day of the moon.
People commemorate the event by doing the usual oil bath as the day starts, after which they adorn their homes and change into new outfits. Rangoli is one of the key attractions of the celebratory event since it is created with vibrant colors and flowers.
Additionally, they place Gudi, which is seen as a sign of success, at the entrance to their houses or on their windows, and then devour neem leaves.
In terms of the festival’s origins, according to Hindu mythology, it is claimed that Lord Brahma created the cosmos and launched days, weeks, months, and years on this day. Due to the fact that Ugadi is regarded as the first day of the universe’s creation, people idolize Lord Brahma on the sacred day of Gudi Padwa.
Gudi Padwa’s History
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma formed the cosmos on this very day. On the day of Gudi Padwa, it is also stated that Lord Brahma expanded the notion of days, weeks, months, and years. In South India, the event is known as Ugadi, and it is believed to be the first day of the universe’s creation. This is why on this day, Lord Brahma is worshiped.
Additionally, Gudi Padwa represents Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. The occasion celebrates the merriments held in the glory of Lord Rama upon his retrieval to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.
Gudi Padwa’s Significance
The term Gudi Padwa is derived from two words: ‘Gudi’, which refers to Lord Brahma’s flag or symbol, and ‘Padwa,’ which refers to the first day of the moon phase. Rabi crops are harvested after this event, which also marks the start of the spring season.
Rituals Followed
The day begins with a traditional bath followed by prayers. To commemorate the festive occasion, residents adorn their homes’ entrances with flower torans/mango leaves and rangoli.
The Gudi flag was created by attaching a crimson or yellow silk scarf to a bamboo pole alongside neem leaves plus mango blooms. Along with the Gudi, a Saakhar gaathi (sugar candy garland) is strung. This ceremony symbolizes life’s bittersweet events.
A silver, copper, or bronze Kalash is put upside down on the bamboo staff to represent victory. The Gudi is then hoisted outside the home after the completion of the pooja.
Women wear Navari sarees, while men wear Kurtas with Dhotis or Pyjamas. On this day, they cook Srikhand and Puran Poli.
In North India, Chaitra Navratri begins on the same day as Gudi Padwa.
FAQs About Gudi Padwa
The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s coronation following his return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana following a 14-year exile. Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana is symbolized by the Gudi (flag). The flag is constantly raised high as a sign of triumph.
The Gudi represents Lord Rama’s triumph and gladness upon his return to Ayodhya after his murder of Ravana. This celebration is said to commemorate Rama’s coronation upon his return to Ayodhya following a 14-year exile.
Lifting up the Gudi outside the house is thought to fend out bad energy, creating a way for good fortune and well-being. Numerous entrepreneurs launch their endeavors on this day since it is considered fortunate.
According to Hindu mythology, the cosmos was created on the day of Gudi Padwa by Lord Brahma. Additionally, it is stated that Brahma introduced days, weeks, months, and years on this day.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about Gudi Padwa, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular Indian festivals, keep reading Seema!
