GUDI PADWA
Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the
first day of the Chaitra month. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the New Year day by
Maharashtrians.
Gudi Padwa is also known as Ugadi in
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This festival marks the beginning of the spring
season. People celebrate this festival with great spirit and joy
On
this day, gudis are hung outside the houses or in the localities. A 'gudi' is a
pole on the top of which an upturned brass or silver pot called a kalash is
placed. The gudi is covered with a colourful silk cloth and decorated with
marigold flowers, coconuts, and mango leaves that symbolize nature's bounty.
Gudi
is worshipped by offering sandalwood paste, turmeric and vermilion. Then, boys
and young men of the locality form a pyramid and the person on top of the
pyramid breaks the coconut which is in the kalash. Gudhi also known as
Brahmadhwaj (Flag of Lord Brahma) is a symbol of happiness, joy, glory,
celebration of victory
As per Hindu mythology Lord Brahma,
created the Universe on this day & hence it is believed to be the beginning
of the Universe.
Therefore, It is an ideal day to
start a new business, buy a new house, buy a new vehicle, make an investment
etc... So also it is considered one of the best auspicious days for Maunji
bandhan (Thread Ceremony), which marks the beginning of Brahmacharya Aashram
(Student Life), to get married, which marks the beginning of Gruhastha Ashram
(Married Life) and all other religious or cultural rituals
After
the Pooja a favorite sweet dish is prepared as Naivedya (offering to god).
After the sun set, the Gudhi is removed after the worship. Friends and
relatives are invited and offered sweets
