Gudi Padwa Festival
Gudi Padwa (also Gudi Padva) celebrates the New Year’s Day in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a Hindu festival. It is celebrated on the first day of Hindu Month of Chaitra.
The festival generally coincides with the Udagi celebration in Andhra Pradesh, which is the New Year celebration festival for the people of Deccan.
Custom: There is a custom of making a paste. Neem leaves, jiggery, tamarind and salt is used to form the paste. They begin the festival after eating this paste.
Harvest Festival: Gudi Padwa is a harvest festival. India is largely an agricultural country. Festivals are typically related to the beginning and finish of agricultural seasons. Gudi Padwa marks the end of the Rabi season.
Importance: This day has its own special importance particularly among the Hindus. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the Universe. So, devotees takes a sacred oil bath, which is considered auspicious. This day is also celebrated to mark the coronation ceremony of Lord Rama. Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after spending fourteen years in exile.
Celebration: The celebration of the Gudi Padwa Festival is related to prosperity and well-being. Everything looks bright and vibrant. People wear traditional garments on this day. The day begins with prayers. Then, exchange of sweets and gift takes place between relations and friends. It is also a day of feasting. It is also a day of feasting.
People take time to wash their homes and old and useless objects are discarded.
Some people paint their homes with new colours, and decorate the doorway with mango leaves.
Some people visit temples to seek the blessings of the God.
The hoist the Gudhi Flag. This flag is known as Brahmadhvaj (Flag of Brahma).
Women decorate the floor with beautiful rangoli designs.
Women make delicious dishes and desserts. There is a custom of making ‘Puran-puri? on this day.
This is a time for family get together. People visit their old friends. People, who stay away in different places, express well-wishes through phone calls.
