Gudi Padwa : Marathi New Year

Gudi Padwa as the name suggest is a start and it is the first day of the year. Gudi Padwa is celebrated during Chaitra Sukla Paksha Padyami or First day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra as per lunar calendar. This year Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Thursday, 11th April, 2013.

It is observed mainly in Maharashtra, Goa and parts of Karnataka. As per traditional Marathi calendar, this New Year is the Vijaya Nama Samvatsar and the Shri Shalivahan Shak 1935 begins on the day. The first month in the Marathi calendar is Chaitra and Gudi Padwa is observed on Chaitra 1 or the first day of Chaitra. The most important event on the day is the hoisting of the Gudi (Victory flags) in front of the homes. 

Gudi Padwa is the start of new year for Maharshtrians. It is celebrated with lot of joy. On Gudi Padwa, a Gudi is a common sight in the house holds of Maharashtra. A Gudi is prepared by tying a bright gree on yellow cloth with brocade to a long bamboo stick,along with sugar crystal(gaathi), Mango twig, neem leaves and a garland of red flowers. Over all this a copper or silver pot is placed in invereted position. A Gudi is normally hoisted outside the house or terrace or from a window for all to see. People normally wear new clothes on Gudi Padwa and greet each other. It is also a tradition to start the day eating bitter Neem leaves along with Jaggery and Tamarind on Gudi Padwa.

Shrikand and Puri or Puran Poli is a prepared on Gudi Padwa. Gudi Padwa is celebrated in different parts of the country with different names like Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Thappan etc.

There numerous reasons for observing Gudi Padwa - the most important legends are the defeat of Shakas by Shaliavahan and some people observe it to commemorate the victories of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Gudi Hoisting

The most important event on the day is the hoisting of flags on a bamboo staff. The flag hoisted on Maharashtrian New Year is made of green or yellow colored silk cloth. A bright garlanded goblet

is hung on top of the flag pole. Neem leaves, mango leaves, garland of red flowers and gaohi (sweet) are hung on the Gudhi. Rangoli is drawn near the Gudi or in front of the house.

Gudi Padwa Offerings

Offering made of neem leaves and neem flowers and jaggery is distributed on the day. The offering consists of neem leaves and neem flowers, soaked dal, cumin seeds, honey or jaggery and asafetida. The offering symbolically indicates that life is filled with joy and sorrow.

Auspicious Day

Gudi Padva is one of the most auspicious days in the Marathi Hindu Calendar and is considered ideal for starting new ventures and investment. It is believed that every moment on the Gudhi Padwa day is auspicious. The day also heralds the arrival of the spring season.

Farmers make it a point to plough the field on the Gudhi Padva day and they believe it will help in having a good harvest in the ensuing agricultural season.