GUDI PADWA – A NEW DAY BEGINS

HAPPY GUDI PADWA

Lord Brahma created this Universe on this auspicious Day. In Hindu mythology, this day is observed as the new year’s day, and a new day begins on it.

In most parts of India, this New Year is celebrated in a Vedic and Spiritual manner but in different names.
`Gudi` is derived from the word `Gudhi,` meaning a flag or silk cloth adorning auspicious qualities. `Padwa` means `The Pratipad Day,` the day followed by Amavasya (Dark Moon Fortnight Day). This year, Gudi Padva is being celebrated on 19 March.

Taking an oil bath in the early morning on this day is considered very auspicious. For Gudi Puja, one heightened bamboo stick, a silk cloth, a copper or silver vessel, neem leaves, mango leaves, and a garland. The Silk flag-type cloth is decorated with garland, neem & mango leaves, on its top a silver or brass vessel is kept in an upturned position on the top of the bamboo stick.

According to tradition, the Gudi is hoisted outside the home, usually on the right side of the main door. The Gudi is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity to the family.
In Maharashtra, this festival is performed in every household.

Most of the Maharashtrian family celebrate `Gudi Padwa` in their home only in the morning hours.
The belief that goes with this celebration is that `Gudi` brings good luck to family and wards off all evils throughout the coming years.

In general, apart from Maharashtra this festival is also celebrated but in a different manner. In the north and some eastern parts of India, people celebrate this day as the beginning of the first day of the universe. Nine days of fasting is observed by performing special pujas honouring Goddess Durga. Gudi Padwa Day is considered the first day of this Navratri Festival. In south India, this day is also celebrated as New Year`s Day and is named Ugadi. Donations to temples are made on this day. Various flavours of dishes are prepared and offered. It is believed that one should taste all the types of food on this occasion in this new year. The Sindhi Community celebrate this day as `Cheti Chand`. They consider this day as the new year day and the emergence of Lord Jhulelal.
Thus, the above all types of celebration on this auspicious day make this day as a very special day to Hindu Community. In all cases, it is observed as New Year’s Day. Therefore, let us celebrate the same with a prayer to Lord Brahma to bring Joy and Happiness to All.

Happy Gudi Padva