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Gudi Padwa is the new year of Maharashtrians. It is also the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra, and the spring season commences on this day. Legend has it that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. Gudi Padva 2012 date is March 23.
The day begins with an extensive oil bath. After this, each door in the house is decorated with mango leaves and red flowers. Then prayers are offered to Lord Brahma.
The most important event on this day is the hosting of ‘gudhi’ – Lord Brahma’s flag (Brahmadhvaj). There are numerous legends associated with hoisting the flag. Some say it is hoisted to the celebrate Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. Some Maharashtrians hoist it to commemorate the numerous victories achieved by Chatrapati Shivaji
Introduction to the Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the New Year to the Maharashtrians. The advent of a new year heralds new hopes, new dreams and greater chances of prosperity and wish fulfillment and so it is celebrated with a lot of joy and pompousness throughout Maharashtra.
History of the Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
According to Hindu mythology, on the day of Gudi Padwa, Brahma created the universe. It is also believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed Bali. It is one of the three and a half days in the Hindu calendar when each and every moment of the day is auspicious.
Description of the Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Unrestrained merriment marks the celebrations of Gudi Padwa. There are several rituals and customs that are associated with the celebration of this festival.
A bamboo staff or gudhi is erected in front of the house. A new cloth is then tied to the gudhi. A bright garlanded vessel is hung on top of it. This is symbolic of achievement. This gudhi is devotedly worshipped and the Prasad is distributed among all the members of the family. The Prasad that you will get in any of the Maharashtra households on the occasion of Gudi Padwa is very different. It is made out of tender Neem leaves, tamarind, Ajwain, gram-pulse and jaggery. According to popular belief, this Prasad strengthens your immunity system and you can fight diseases better.
After waking up early in the morning, people clean their homes and decorate the floors with beautifully drawn rangolis. Some even prefer to keep a pot with coconuts, flowers and mango leaves just outside their home. They clad themselves in new clothes as well. Tasteful sweet dishes like shrikhand and jalebis are savored by the people. The ardor and excitement of the people on the occasion of celebration of Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra is great.
Time for celebrating the Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
The Gudi Padwa is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar. Padwa refers to the first day of the Hindu Lunar month. It falls on the first day of the month of Chaitra (either in the month of March or April). |
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