About Gudi padwa

GudiPadva is an important festival for the Hindu people in the Konkan region of India i.e. Maharashtra, Goa and some parts of Karnataka. This festival is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitrawhich is set according to the lunisolar calendar and is it considered a very auspicious day that marks the New Year for the Hindu people of the region. This occassion celebrates the beginning of spring and it is the time when the Rabi crops are reaped. People of Maharashtra and Goa celebrate the day by colorfully decorating their houses with mango leaves and make kaleidoscopic rangoli.

On the festive day, courtyards in village houses are swept clean and plastered with fresh cow-dung. Even in the city areas, people definitely take the time out to do some spring cleaning.

In this auspicious festival, people make a paste for eating before starting the day of GudiPadva. This is made from neem leaves, jaggery, tamarind, and salt. To start the vast beginning of GudiPadva they eat the same dough. It purifies the blood and strengthens the body.

The traditional meal is filled with extremely rich and delicious food items like Shrikhand and PuranPoli. The Konkanis make KanangachiKheer which is a dessert made of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, and rice.

Buying gold items, a new vehicle/machinery or making a new start is considered prosperous on this day.

A majestic Gudi flag also known as Brahmadhvaj, mostly of yellow or red in color. It is made and is then garlanded with beautiful flowers. It is then mounted at the entrance of homes or roofs or from the windows, and the ritual use of mango leaves and neem leaves as per the ceremonial requirements.

The Gudhi is meant to represent the flag of Lord Brahma as mentioned in the Brahma Purana, an ancient religious Hindu text, as according to the religious tradition, Lord Brahma created time and the universe on this very day.

It is embellished with silver or copper pots which convey victory and achievement. Gudi is believed to not let the evil shadows and forces walk through the sacred Halls of our home, invite prosperity and lots of good luck into our humble abode.

It is also a day when women are seen to be flooding the streets across the state. Dressed in traditional attire women actively participate in the festival that celebrates the regions rich culture and history, it also gives them a chance to be a part of their culture without hesitation. Clothes, jewelry and their attitude all show the strength of an Indian woman who is an integral part of any festival. Women are the founding figures of humanity.

The regions most celebrated warrior figure ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj was reportedly the first one to start celebrations after a victory. Other than it is also celebrated of the victory of lord ram over Ravana when he returns to Ayodhya.

A ritual of making PaniPuri is also a part of this festival. It is a time for the family, getting together in one place. People often visit their old friends and relatives. People, who are far away, express their good wishes through phone calls and internet.