Explore The Festivity of Gudi Padwa, New Year of The Marathi Hindus

The mesmerizing view   The bright phase of the moon is soon to come, yes it’s about time for Gudi Padwa. A festival that marks the New Year for the Marathi Hindus. In fact, the same festival has been given different names too like Ugadi in Telugu, Cheti Chand by Sindhis, Yugadi in Kannada and Navreh for Kashmiri Pandits. The arrival of the spring creates a state of immense happiness that can be seen people celebrating Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. The Hindi Nav Varsh being the onset of spring and the first day of the Chaitra Month also technically stands to be the day for the arrival of the ripe mangoes in the market.  

Gudi Padwa - The Reason for its Existence

  The spirit of Maharashtra during Gudi Padwa   Gudi Padwa celebration in India is full of enthusiasm. Lord Brahma who is believed to be the creator of the Universe is worshiped first because as per the mythology, it is also believed that the Universe that we all live in was blessed and created on this day. However, later Lord Vishnu the savior of the Universe is worshiped which religiously completes the festival. It is also said that the great Marathi warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji had attained victory and hoisted a flag on his territory on this special day. And that’s also a big enough reason for anyone of seeing much merrier Marathi Hindus on Gudi Padwa.  

The Celebration begins

  The decorated Gudi in the house   A doll or a Gudi is created using bamboo sticks, the auspicious mango leaves, few leaves from the Neem tree and a garland of whimsical red flowers. A copper or a silver inverted pot is placed on the bamboo stick to create the face of the doll and then the doll is made to wear either a red, green or yellow brocade or silk cloth. The Gudi is then placed beautifully right outside a window, door or in the house, whichever way one may like.  

The Ultimate Gudi Padwa Treat

The delicious treat   No festivity comes without something special being made in the households. Thus, it holds true for the Gudi Padwa too. Mouth-watering Puran Polis and Shrikhand preparation are seen almost everywhere. Children, as well as adults, wait for their taste buds to get delighted.

A special Gudi Padwa in 2018

  Plastic bags are bad for the environment   After a failure on the ban of plastic bags, the environment ministry has yet again decided to place a ban effective from Gudi Padwa, March 18, 2018, in Maharashtra. The state would observe ban in plastic bags, thermocol made plates, glasses, spoons, cups, banners, and garlands effective March 18, 2018. Legal action would be taken against companies who generate and preserve plastic. Let’s all hope this act is successful and the environment feels blessed too. On that note, hope you all have a great Gudi Padwa this year. Don’t forget to share some Shrikhand too!!   For more Lifestyle and Culture articles, follow our digital magazine BananiVista. Do "Like" and "Follow" us on Facebook.