Gudi Padwa is the Maharastrian New Year. This day is celebrated
on
Shuddha Pratipada, the first day in the Hindu month of
Chaitra (March-April). Festivities of Gudi Padwa lasts for three and a
half days. The word 'padwa' means the end of one harvesting season and
beginning of another. According to Brahma Purana, Gudi Padwa is the day
on which universe was created by Lord Brahma, Satyug began and Lord Ram
returned Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
Tradition of Hanging Gudis
Gudi also called Brahmadhwaj by some is a flag of Lord Brahma
symbolizing joy, happiness and celebration of victory. Gudis are hung at
the door of houses at the New Year time in Maharashtra. It is a pole
topped with an upturned silver pot called 'Kalash'. A colorful cloth is
tied and decorated with coconuts, garland of flowers and sweets. People
welcome New Year by worshiping Gudi and a mixture of Neem leaves,
tamarind, jaggery, ajwain and gram-pulse is eaten which tends to purify
blood. At some places, Gudi is removed after sunset.
Marathi New Year Celebrations
Gudi Padwa is the most auspicious celebration for people of
Maharashtra. For them, it is the moment to rejoice and follow
distinctive rituals. On this day, people take early morning bath, wear
new clothes, clean their houses, create beautiful Rangoli designs in
front of their house. On this auspicious day, Maharashtrians perform
house-warming poojas, venture into new projects and prepare delicacies
like puran poli (sweet rotis), soonth pak, shrikhand, basundi, jalebis
etc. Some people also buy gold and silver ornaments to bring good luck
on the occasion.
