Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Gudi Padwa is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Maharashtra. This festival is also regarded as the harvest festival of Maharashtra. Gudi Padwa has gained as much importance as other festivals celebrated in the region. This festival has deep-rooted cultural traditions and is also celebrated across India in various forms. It is an important Marathi-Hindu Procession and marks the start of the harvest season in Maharashtra. Gudi Padwa also marks the onset of the spring season. Witnessing this festival is bliss indeed!
About
Photo:Abhijit Tembhekar / Wikimedia Commons
Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the spring festival. It also marks the start of a lunisolar new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. This festival is celebrated during the beginning of Chaitra Month according to the Hindu Calendar. Chaitra Month is believed to be the first month of the Lunisolar Hindu Calendar. Gudi Padwa is also celebrated in some of the states of South India in the name of Ugadi. Apart from Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in states like Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka.
The first day of the bright moon phase of the calendar is called Gudi Padwaa. This festival has gained significance not only in the state of Maharashtra but in several states of South India too. Different communities of Konkani Hindus refer to this day variously. Some of the names are Sausara Padavo, Sausar Padyo and Gudi Padyaami respectively. In Karnataka, it is also known as Ugadi. Kannad Hindus and Telugu Hindus refer to Gudi Padwa as ‘Ugadi’ too. Sindhi Community refers to this day as Cheti Chand. When translated, Gudi means ‘flag’ and Padwa means ‘the first day of the fortnight of the lunar month’ which is derived from Sanskrit Language.
Cultural Relevance Of Gudi Padwa
Photo: prasadganapule69 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Gudi Padva signifies the reaping of the Rabi Crops in parts of Maharashtra. Originally, this festival is linked to the auspicious day when Lord Brahma, the Hindu God, created this universe. Some also believe that this day marks the beginning of the Shalivahan Calendar after the legend defeated the Huns. In many parts of Rural Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is referred to as Lord Shiva’s Dance and the coming together of the community. Lord Shiva is linked as they carry their Gudis to temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Festivities During Gudi Padwa
Photo: Prakshobh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Gudi is arranged in every household in the state. Gudi is basically a bright, colourful silk scarf which is tied to the top of a bamboo stick. Besides the scarf, neem mango leaves and flowers are attached to the stick too. The scarf is covered with a silver, copper or bronze pot which signifies victory, glory or achievement. This Gudi symbolises two things, Brahma’s flag as mentioned in Brahma Purana and it is believed to ward off evil and invite prosperity to the household.
During the celebrations of Gudi Padwa, the families prepare special sweet dishes. The dishes are prepared with leaves of neem tree and sweet jaggery. Tamarind and Dhane seeds are also added to it. It is believed that this sweet dish has health benefits too. The sweet dish is later served as Prasad to devotees and neighbours.
Important Rituals Of Gudi Padwa
Photo: ReenaHooda / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many rituals kept in mind while celebrating this joyous festival of Gudi Padwa. The entire festival is celebrated starting from taking a holy bath, decorating the house with flowers to welcome god, conducting havana for Lord Vishnu, neem distribution and making donations to the needy people.
- The Auspicious Bath: The auspicious bath is taken early on the day of Gudi Padwa. Oil is applied to the body before taking the bath for cleansing properties and relaxation.
- Rangoli And Decorations: After bathing, the next ritual asks for decorating the entrance of the houses with flowers and neem. Mango leaves are also used. Devotees make rangolis with both vibrant colours and flowers. The rangoli welcomes god and guests into the household. It welcomes prosperity too.
- The Puja And Havan: After rangolis are made and the house is decorated, there is an official puja. Lord Brahma, the Hindu God is worshipped. Havan is also conducted through which offerings are made to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Prayers are offered along with Davna, a fragrant plant.
- Hoisting Gudi: Gudi is hoisted in every household. This flag is hoisted to show victory, glory and achievement. This Gudi is the symbol of achievement and is held high. A yellow cloth is tied to the bamboo stick along with a copper pot or a silver pot which is kept inverted. Along the pot, red flowers, yellow flowers and mango leaves are tied. Tilak is applied to Gudi after Puja.
- Reading Panchang Shravan: After hoisting, everyone reads and listens to Panchang Shravan. It lists the happenings and events throughout the year. This is considered holy as per Hindu Religion.
Prasad Distribution: A combination of bitter and sweet dishes is served as Prasad to devotees, family members and neighbours. It is made with neem and jaggery. Donations are also made to the needy people. Families visit each other’s families for blessings, rituals and other traditions.
Things To Do
Photo: Pakshya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
- Sending invites: Invites are to be sent to neighbours, relatives and friends for welcoming Gudis, exchanging gifts and celebrating the festival. The houses of people belonging to the Marathi Community are beautifully decorated to welcome the guests.
- Organising Feasts: Dinners are organised for families, neighbours and friends on the day of Gudi Padwa and the night before. People altogether enjoy sweets like Shrikhand and Puran Poli.
- Attend Community Programs: There are several programs and functions organised on the day of Gudi Padwa, especially in the evening followed by dinner. Families shall attend such cultural and community programs to thoroughly celebrate the occasion.
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Visitors can travel to multiple cities to experience the essence of this festival. There are multiple hotels in cities of Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Solapur and more for visitors to reside. These hotels range from low-cost hotels to exquisite ones.
Some of the hotels in Mumbai include Hotel Highway Inn-Andheri, Royal Orchid, Hotel Sahara Star and Hotel Milan International. Hotels in Pune include The Pride Hotel Pune, Treebo Regency, The Central Park Hotel and Royal Nest Premium. Hotels in Nagpur include Regenta Central Hotel, Hotel Maitrayee, Pride Hotel Nagpur and more. Hotels in Nashik include Hotel Grand Rio, The Emerald Park, Royal Heritage and Rama Heritage. Hotels in Solapur include Hotel Saiprasad Executive, Hotel Chitra Executive and Balaji Sarovar Premiere.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ankushkr2020 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Maharashtra has lovely cuisine that is served to visitors at multiple restaurants. The restaurants in the cities of Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Solapur cater to the tastes of all besides serving the local cuisine. Restaurants in Mumbai include The Table, Izumi Bandra, Sukh Sagar, Shiv Sagar and Cafe Madras. Restaurants in Pune include George Restaurant, Le Plaisir, Blue Nile Restaurant and The Sassy Spoon.
Restaurants in Nashik include Shree Rajbhog Thali, The Terotale, The Namastey Nashik, Shamsundar Misal and Bon Vivant. Restaurants in Nagpur include Naivedyam Restaurant, Vishnuji Ki Rasoi, Hitchki Nagpur, The Palate and Lucknowala.
Restaurants in Solapur include Sigdi Restaurant, Under The Sky, Satvik Pure Veg Restaurant and The Golden Fork.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Shrinivaskulkarni1388 / Wikimedia Commons
- Muhurat: Considering the Muhurat or the right time of conducting Puja and Havan is very important. Gudi’s should be hoisted at the right Muhurat too. The timing ensures prosperity and positivity in homes for the entire upcoming year.
- Gudi: The preparation of Gudi has to be made in advance in order to avoid time constraints. All things from neem leaves to copper pots have to be bought in time and placed right.
- House Cleaning: Cleaning of the house is very important. It is believed that cleaning the house welcomes positive vibes.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional dances like Lavni and Dhol are performed on the streets. The entire community is said to take part in this celebration. Loud music and dhol are played to celebrate the arrival of the season.
Gudi Padwa is regarded as a joyous celebration in the state of Maharashtra. Locals come on the streets and blissfully celebrate this festival. Gudi Padwa is known as the harvest festival of Maharashtra and marks the onset of the spring season. There are family gatherings, traditions, rituals, customs, poojas, chanting and preparation of special dishes. Plan a trip with TripXL to Maharashtra and embrace this auspicious festival.
Cover Photo: StockImageFactory.com / Shutterstock
