Gudi Padva is the Marathi Name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.. It is celebrated on the 1st day of Chaitra Month to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar .. These day is also the First day of Chaitra Navratri and Gathasthapana also known as Kalash Sthapana is done on this day.
The Gudhi
On Gudhi Padva, a Ghudi is found sticking out of a window or Otherwise prominently displayed as traditional Maharashtrian Households.. Bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gaathi , n leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. Altogether, it is called as Gudhi. It is hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it.Some of the significances attributed to raising a Gudhi are as follows:
1. Maharashtrians also see the Gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces led by Chatrrapati Shivaji. It also symbolizes the victory of King shaivahana over Sakas and was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan.
2. Gudhi symbolizes the Brahmadhvaj mentioned in the Bhrama Purana, because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It may also represent Indradhvaj ..
3. Mythologically, the Gudhi symbolizes Lord Rama's victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudi (flag). It is believed that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.
4. Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house.
Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of Hindu New Year. Gudi Padwa is basically celebrated in Maharashtra. However, people from other States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also celebrate this festival as a beginning of New Year. In Karnataka and Andra Pradesh it is known as Ugadi or Yugadi.
Gudi Padwa Traditional Activities
1. The Solar Bath
All family members take an early morning bath on this day and before they do that, they apply oil on their body. Then the skin is allowed to absorb the required quantity of oil, after which a bath is taken with warm water. Doing this relaxes the body as this bath rejuvenates the whole body. The remaining oil on the body after the bath helps the body to retain the elasticity of the skin and hence it is necessary to apply oil to the body prior to every bath.
2. Colored Designs on the Doorstep
People prepare rangolis on the doorsteps of their houses, which are beautiful designs made with dry colors. While decorating the doorsteps, mango leaves and red flowers are used as these are considered auspicious.
3. Ceremonial Prayers
Soon after the decorations are complete, ceremonial prayers and offerings are made to Lord Brahma, which include davna (a fragrant plant). Later "Havan", a sacrifice in the pious fire, is conducted during which offerings are made to the fire. These offerings are made to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped in number of forms.
4. Unfurling the Gudi
The Gudi is considered to be Lord Brahma"s flag and it is hoisted to show Lord Rama"s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya. As it is the symbol of victory and the symbol of victory is always held high, so is the Gudi. A yellow cloth is tied to the Gudi along with red flowers and mango leaves. An inverted silver or copper pot is adorned on the top of the
bamboo stick.
5. Panchang Shravan
After the Gudi is hoisted everyone religiously listens to the almanac, which charts the kind happenings during the year. Listening to this almanac is considered auspicious and it is believed to bestow upon the listener with merits equal to taking a dip in holiest of the holy river Ganges.
6. Tilling the Soil
On this propitious day, tilling the soil and donating the needy with money and other materialistic needs is considered really auspicious. People also visit and spend time with elders for their blessings.
All family members take an early morning bath on this day and before they do that, they apply oil on their body. Then the skin is allowed to absorb the required quantity of oil, after which a bath is taken with warm water. Doing this relaxes the body as this bath rejuvenates the whole body. The remaining oil on the body after the bath helps the body to retain the elasticity of the skin and hence it is necessary to apply oil to the body prior to every bath.
2. Colored Designs on the Doorstep
People prepare rangolis on the doorsteps of their houses, which are beautiful designs made with dry colors. While decorating the doorsteps, mango leaves and red flowers are used as these are considered auspicious.
3. Ceremonial Prayers
Soon after the decorations are complete, ceremonial prayers and offerings are made to Lord Brahma, which include davna (a fragrant plant). Later "Havan", a sacrifice in the pious fire, is conducted during which offerings are made to the fire. These offerings are made to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped in number of forms.
4. Unfurling the Gudi
The Gudi is considered to be Lord Brahma"s flag and it is hoisted to show Lord Rama"s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya. As it is the symbol of victory and the symbol of victory is always held high, so is the Gudi. A yellow cloth is tied to the Gudi along with red flowers and mango leaves. An inverted silver or copper pot is adorned on the top of the
5. Panchang Shravan
After the Gudi is hoisted everyone religiously listens to the almanac, which charts the kind happenings during the year. Listening to this almanac is considered auspicious and it is believed to bestow upon the listener with merits equal to taking a dip in holiest of the holy river Ganges.
6. Tilling the Soil
On this propitious day, tilling the soil and donating the needy with money and other materialistic needs is considered really auspicious. People also visit and spend time with elders for their blessings.
