The festival of Gudhi Padwa marks the start of the Chaitra month, which is the first month of the Hindu calendar. This festival is mostly celebrated in southern parts of India, mainly Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Goa. In Goa, we call it ‘Savsar Padvo.’
The festival is characterized by a special Gudhi, which is a saree or any piece of new cloth tied to a bamboo stick and garlanded with flowers, mango leaves, and neem leaves, topped with a silver or copper vessel. The Gudhi is then hoisted outside the main entrance of the house, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
On the auspicious morning, after bathing and performing the pooja of the Gudhi, we eat neem leaves as it is believed that neem leaves detoxify the body. We prepare a special sweet dish from rice called ‘payas’ or ‘Mangane,’ which is made from coconut milk and chana dal.
Many people buy new things like gold, vehicles, start the construction of a new house, or begin a new venture on this auspicious day.
There is one more unique tradition in Goa, which we call ‘Pasadi’ in the local Konkani language. It is a tradition where the new bride visits her mother’s house before the lunar day, and on Gudhi Padwa, there is a small get-together held for family members. The bride’s mother-in-law offers new sarees and gold ornaments to the bride.
Overall, it is a festival of joy, positivity, and unity.
Wishing you all a very Happy Gudhi Padwa!
Happy Gudhi Padwa to you too.!