Nothing brings people closer like festivals do! Festivals offer joyous ways to celebrate culture, traditions and heritage. Indians are truly blessed with multiple festivals which play an important role in the social lives of people. It encourages unity, reduces friction amongst people and also keeps us attached to our origin.
What is Gudhi Padwa?
Gudhi Padwa is one such festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. While Gudhi padwa is the Marathi name of this festival, it is celebrated by various names amongst other Hindus in India. E.g. In Punjab as Baisakhi, in Bengal as Naba Barsha, in Assam as Bihu, in Kerala as Vishu, in Tamil Nadu as Putuhandu and considered to be the most auspicious day of the year. It is also celebrated in countries like Nepal, Burma and Cambodia. This day marks the New Year as per the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This day is also said to be the beginning of the spring season.
What is Gudhi?
As per Maharashtrian tradition, an arrangement is displayed in our homes called Gudhi- a long stick is covered with a colorful cloth at one end, on which a matka (pot) is placed in an inverted position. Into this cloth piece things like sugar crystals, neem leaves/ mango leaves and a garland are bundled up. The Gudhi is placed in a high position to be seen by anyone from outside of the home.
What does Gudhi symbolize?
Gudi symbolizes the overwhelming victory of the Shalivahana king over the Sakas and symbolizes his return to Paithan. Gudi also symbolizes Brahmadvaj or the flag of Brahma that has a mention in the Brahma Purana as it is believed that Brahma created the world on this day.
How is Gudhi Padwa celebrated?
Before this day, the houses are cleaned and rangoli designs are made in front of the homes with a burst of colors signifying the arrival of spring season. People wake up early in the morning, take holy bath and wear new clothes. A special food is prepared called naivedyam as an offering to god with some sweet dish like Puranpoli, Shrikhand etc.
In certain places in Maharashtra, processions (also called as Shobha Yatra in many places) are held early mornings to celebrate this festival to display the cultural heritage of the Hindus in Maharashtra. Shobha Yatra is the way of coming together, celebrating the culture and wishing everyone a joyous year ahead.
Gudhi Padwa 2022
The festival will be celebrated on 2nd of April of this year (2022) according to Hindu calendar which marks the beginning of the Chaitra month. The Shobha yatra of Girgaon is one of the famous processions in Mumbai and people from multiple cities come to participate in the same. Nowadays special bike rallies are held where women draped in nau-varee saree participate, making the event more special, which also shows the strength of the woman. The traditional dhol and lezim dance is one of the attractions in the procession.
Have you participated in any such festival activity? Have you experienced it? Do comment on your experience!
#Festival Challenge Gudi padwa Trivia Quiz.
#State Challenge by @Denise_Barlock & @jayasimha78
#State Challenge
#festival challenge State Maharashtra 
(just kidding 
).
It is fun for sure 