Gudi Padwa is the first day of Chaitra month that marks the beginning of the New Year according to lunisolar Hindu calendar. It is simillar to Ugadi celebrated in many South Indian states. The occasion is known in different names in different states such as Samvatsar Padvo, Yugadi, Ugadi, Cheti Chand or and Navreh. It is celebrated in the North East state of Manipur as Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.

Gudi Padwa is one of the most famous harvesting festivals of India that marks end of one season and beginning of a new one. The festival is determined by the position of the Sun coming above the point of intersection of the equator, which according to the Hindu calendar marks the commencement of the Spring Season.

The Hindu puranas marks this day as the defeat of Ravana in the hands of Lord Rama and Lord Sri Ram’s eventual happy return to Ayodhya.

History says, Maharashtra’s Great Warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the person who started the Gudi Padwa celebrations after his victory. The tradition of raising the Gudi was initiated by Shivaji.

The Gudi is erected at the entrance of Maharashtrain households. A Gudi is a stick covered in a bright cloth adorned with brocade or zari that has been topped with sugar crystals, neem leaves, twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers. This is covered by a silver or copper pot in an inverted position.

Families begin this day by eating bittersweet leaves of neem tree or a paste which is prepared with neem leaves, jaggery and tamarind. The paste is believed to purify blood and strengthen the body’s immune system. The traditional Maharashtrain food on this day consists of Shrikhand and Puri and Puran Poli. The Konkanis make Kanangachi Kheer which is a sweet dish made of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery and rice.

Purchasing gold, new vehicle or anything new on this day is considered to bring prosperity.

By Premji