Significance of Gudi Padwa – The Hindu

Gudi Padwa is a special festival for Maharashtra and Goa. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month which synchronises with the first day of the new moon. This day signifies the beginning of the new year, the heralding of spring and the harvesting of rabi crops. This is also the day when it is believed that Brahma created the universe and the sense of time. Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day. Some rural Marathi and Konkan Hindu communities bond with Lord Siva’s cosmic dancing and congregate together at Siva temples. People in Maharashtra also celebrate the day by commemorating the famous ruler Sivaji’s victory over the Mughals, said Prof. Kumool Abbi.

The festival is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli. The day starts by consuming the bitter neem and jaggery, which is believed to purify the body, which expresses the acceptance of both bitter and sweet experiences, characterising life. Preparation of sweets such as puran poli, basundi and kesari bath is also made in earnest. The day is considered auspicious to start new undertakings, business ventures, vastu puja and investing in gold and silver and buying new vehicles.

The word Gudi Padwa has a very interesting meaning and significance. Padwa refers to the first day of the lunar fortnight, while Gudi refers to a flag made of bamboo that is anointed with garlands of flowers, mango and neem leaves, sugar crystals and an overturned silver or copper vessel. As the flag is hoisted, it brings good luck, eclipsing all negativity. Gudi is hoisted on the right side of the house. All the constituents of Gudi signify something. The yellow colour shows sato guna (seven attributes) by eliminating all negative energies. The colours green and saffron are also used to represent life and sacred fire. The mango leaves reflect immortality while the red flowers show the intensity of passion against negativity. Sugar crystals denote sweetness. Thus the festival of Gudi Padwa is a blend of the Hindu tradition with its manifold folk interpretations.