Gudi Padwa 2016 Celebration in India

Gudi Padwa 2016 will be celebrated on the 8^th of April (Friday) which guarantees us an extended weekend to celebrate this auspicious day in style. It is the festival that ushers in the New Year. As per Hindu / lunar calendar it falls on the Indian month of Chaitra. Just like all the Indian festivals even Gudi Padwa has a rich and varied history associated with it. This festival, celebrated predominantly in Maharashtra, Konkan regions and Goa also has many tales and legends related to it. In the South Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it is called Ugadi. This festival entails a visually delightful vibrancy and an atmosphere of revelry. Unlike the western civilization which celebrates the 31^st of December with binge drinking, Indians celebrate Gudi Padwa, said to be the Indian New Year day, with devotion and prayers. 

Padwa is a Sanskrit word which means first. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. Gudi Padwa is a celebration of victory from all forms of evil.

This auspicious day ushers in prosperity and fortune into a household. It is a good day to start new projects and buy new and expensive items. Listed below are some of the facts of Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa and the Legend of Chatrapati Shivaji

The victory or victories of the most revered Hindu king and a righteous man, Shivaji led to the celebration of Gudi Padwa. Maharashtrians believe that it was their beloved king who first raised a Gudi. This tradition caught on and every Maharashtrian household hoists a Gudi on this day.

Gudi Padwa and the Legend of Lord Rama

Legend has it that when Lord Rama returned to His kingdom Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Him by raising Gudis out of their windows. This day coincides with the first day of ‘Chaitra Navratri’ and ‘Ghatasthapana’ and is hence considered extremely auspicious.

Gudi, a Symbol of Victory

A hoisted Gudi is the most common sight on this auspicious day. People proudly and prominently hoist an ornately decorated bamboo stick with an inverted copper vessel outside their windows or the main gate of their house. This emblem is called a Gudi and it is wrapped in bright yellow and green clothes adorned with zari work which is tied to the tip of the bamboo. It is further decorated with mango and neem leaves, garland made of marigold flowers and red flowers. An inverted copper or silver pot is placed on the top of the bamboo which captures and transmits the positive vibrations found in abundance in the atmosphere on Gudi Padwa.

Different Names of Gudi Padwa in India

Gudi Padwa is celebrated in different parts of India under different names. The names may be different but the belief in this day is the same throughout.

Different Names of the Festival	Regions
Gudi Padwa	Maharashtra, Goa
Goru Bihu	Assam
Ugadi	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Vishu	Kerala
Baisakhi	Punjab
Puthandu	Tamil Nadu
Naba Barsha	West Bengal

 

Food Items Made During Gudi Padwa

No Indian festival is complete with a special delicacy that marks that day. Gudi Padwa is no different. Neem leaves are consumed on this day, either raw or mixed with jaggery and tamarind. This is a tradition followed by most elderly. Puran Poli or Poori along with Shrikand is prepared in Maharashtrian households. In Konkan regions Sanna’ and ‘Kanangachi Kheer’ (a type of kheer made with sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery and rice flour) is popular.