Know more, Grow more!!!: Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa, Padva or Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is one of the most celebrated festivals especially in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It celebrates the beginning of the traditional Hindu year and the day of the festival is the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.

It is the Marathi name for the festival ‘Chaitra Shukla Pratipata’ which is celebrated to welcome the Hindu New Year. In general, major Vedic festivals and cultural events mark the welcome ceremony of the March month as it is the spring which is closely associated with agriculture. Considering as the significant traditional festival, Gudi Padwa is known by various names across the country such as Gudi Padva in Marathi, Ugadi in Telugu and Yugadi in Kannada.

Just like there are reasons behind the occurrence of natural events, every cultural festival in India has a reason behind its celebration. The entire celebration of Gudi Padwa revolves around three major reasons:

First, it is believed that Lord Brahma created the cosmic universe on this day. When the worship of Lord Brahma is complete, the Gudi is hoisted and Lord Vishny is invoked to shower his blessings upon the worshipper and his family.

Second, Lord Rama, Hanuman- the incarnation of Lord Vishnu returned to Ayodhya after slaying the demon king Ravana and rescuing Sita. If we take a look at our history, Maharashtrian people observed this as a day of victory by their supreme and well loved ruler Shivaji Maharaj.

The victory flag is hoisted to honour the courage and victory of this great ruler and the Gudi is decorated with the first bloom of fresh mango leaves. A silk cloth of yellow colour is draped across the Gudi and adorned with red flowers. The yellow and red colours are believed to be auspicious and symbols of fertility and well being. The area is also decorated around the Gudi. Special delicacies and sweet dishes are also prepared on this occasion.

Gudi Padwa marks another historical event, the victory of the Sakas over the Huns. But the most important significance of the Gudi Padwa is the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma. This has been mentioned in the Brahma Purana too, where the Satyayug commenced from this very day after the creation of the universe. The day is also considered auspicious because the divine consciousness which emanates during the early sunrise, if absorbed, lasts longer.

Significance of Gudi Padwa:

Astronomical

This new moon day has special meaning from Astronomy point of view. The Sun is supposed to be in first point of Aries, (Hamal) which is first sign of zodiac and is a natural beginning of spring. Many civilzations have known this. People of ancient Egypt knew this and Nowruz (literally "New Day" ) in Persia is also based on this observation. The Sun however may not be exactly in Aries due to Lunar month. This is adjusted by adding a "Adhika" (Literally an extra) Lunar month every three years to ensure New Year Day( "Gudhee Padwa") indeed matches observed season. See Panchang for details.

Chronological

Being the first day of the first month of the year, Gudhi Padwa is the New Year's Day for [[Marathi people|Marathi]/ Maharashtrians] people.This day is known as Ugadi in Telugu Speaking(Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) and Karnataka region, and people used to wish each other on this day. This year, Gudhi Padwa 2017 will be celebrated on 28th March.

Agricultural:

India is a predominantly agrarian society. Thus celebrations and festivals are often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the beginning of a new one. In this context, the Gudhi Padwa is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season. Guḍhī Pāḍavā is one of the Saadhe-Teen Muhurta (translation from Marathi: 3 and a half auspicious days) in the Indian Lunar calendar. The full list is as follows -

Gudhi Padwa- 1st Tithi of Chaitra (Bright Half)

Akshaya Tritiya- third Tithi (Lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of Vaishakha

Vijayadashami - 10th Tithi of Ashwin

Balipratipada - 1st Tithi of Kartika (Bright Half)

Historical:

This day also commemorates the commencement of the Shaka calendar after [Gautamiputra Satakarni], also known as defeated sakas in battle in 78 A.D.

Religious:

According to the Brahma Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth.

Seasonal:

On this day, the sun assumes a position above the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians. According to the Hindu calendar, this marks the commencement of the Vasanta ritu or the spring season.