New Delhi: Gudi Padwa or Samvatsar Padvo is a festival that marks the beginning of the new year for Maharashtrians and Konkani Hindus. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, which indicates the arrival of the spring as per the Hindu calendar.
It is believed that on this day, Samvatsara, which is a cycle of sixty years, begins. All the sixty Samvatsaras are identified by a unique name. This year, the Gudi Padwa festival will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2.
The word Gudi Padwa is a combination of two words - Gudi indicates the flag while Padwa comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada, which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.
Gudi Padwa marks the arrival of the spring season and the reaping of rabi crops. According to Hindu belief, it's the day when Lord Brahma created the universe.
The Gudi Padwa festival begins with the traditional oil bath followed by prayers. According to Hindu scriptures, oil bath and eating neem are the mandatory rituals. Besides this, the traditional Gudi flags are hoisted on the terrace or basically, outside the houses.
Gudi flag, that symbolises victory, consists of a bright colourful cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo stick with neem and mango leaves.
Alongside, there's a garland of sugar candy tied atop as well. It's further capped with a silver, copper or bronze pot arranged in an inverted manner.
Neem symbolises the bitter experiences of life while the sugar candy represents the happy moments. So, basically, the Gudi flag is a reflection of life which is a mixture of good and bad.
With the changing times, along with the traditional Gudis, new ones, with innovative forms and formats are also available. This year, the eco-friendly gudi has been in high demand and is found in abundance in Maharashtra and other states.
The Gudi is believed to help get rid of evil, invite prosperity, and good luck in the house.