Gudi Padwa: A new beginning
Some Maharashtrians see the gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudhi is also displayed as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity.
GUDHI PADWA is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, and is celebrated as New Year's Day by Maharashtrians and Hindu Konkanis. It is the same day on which great king Shalivahana defeated Sakas in battle. This is also the first day of the Marathi calendar. This festival is supposed to mark the beginning of Vasant. India was, and still is to a certain extent, a predominantly agrarian society.
Thus, celebrations and festivals are often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one harvest and the beginning of a new one, which for an agricultural community signifies the beginning of a New Year. In the case of Gudhi Padwa, it is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season.
“I mostly keep myself busy on this day decorating my house with colourful hangings and other items, to make it look brighter than any other days. On this day, all these years I have always worn a saree,” said Nisha Phalke, a college student. On the festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered with fresh cow-dung. Even in the city, people take time out to do some spring-cleaning.
Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with ajwain, gur, and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases. Maharashtrian families also make shrikhand and poori on this day.
Over the years though the riuals of this festival has changed a bit, yet the fact that people find their happiness in these small occasions remains the same. In Pune, the cinema halls, restaurants and temples were all overcrowded as families went out to enjoy and mark a new beginning.
Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for family gatherings. Specialties like soonth panak and chana usually are eaten on this day. Gudhi Padwa is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Legend states that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama after his return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.
Some Maharashtrians see the gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudhi is also displayed as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house. Gudhi is also a symbol of victory of Shalivahana over Shakas, which people hoisted, when he returned to Paithan. The gudhi, Brahma’s flag is hoisted in every house as a symbolic representation of Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudhi which means flag.
Some Maharashtrians see the gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudhi is also displayed as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house. Gudhi is also a symbol of victory of Shalivahana over Shakas, which people hoisted, when he returned to Paithan. The gudhi, Brahma’s flag is hoisted in every house as a symbolic representation of Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudhi which means flag.
Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with ajwain, gur, and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases. Maharashtrian families also make shrikhand and poori on this day.
Over the years though the riuals of this festival has changed a bit, yet the fact that people find their happiness in these small occasions remains the same. In Pune, the cinema halls, restaurants and temples were all overcrowded as families went out to enjoy and mark a new beginning.
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