Gudi Padwa – Of Fresh New Beginnings!

“Happy Gudi Padwa, neet bol gadhava!” This is how many people wish each other on Gudi Padwa day in Maharashtra. This jovial and merry day is also known as the Maharashtrian New Year, and besides wishing each other Happy Gudi Padwa, people also wish each other “Navavarshachya hardik shubhechha”, which mean Happy New Year! It’s one of the happiest and most fun days for Maharashtrians and it is celebrated with great zeal all over the state. Gudi Padwa falls on the 8^th of April this year, which is a Friday. Take advantage of the long weekend and Travelguru’s Gudi Padwa long weekend hotel deals and plan a trip some place new! Here’s how Gudi Padwa is celebrated, and its significance in other parts of the country

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The Celebration

The most important part of Gudi Padwa is decorating the gudi. The gudi is a little copper or silver pot that is placed inverted over a bamboo stick, covered with a brightly coloured zari-bordered cloth and adorned with neem leaves, a garland of flowers and mango leaves, and then stuck outside a window. The gudi symbolizes Brahma’s flag, as it is believed in Hinduism that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. This pretty gudi is also believed to ward off evil and bring happiness and prosperity to the house.

Gudi Padwa calls for a colourful and intricate rangoli on courtyards and outside the main door of the house to add more charm to the festival. Houses are swept and cleaned, and everyone decks up in their very best. Some people even eat a few neem leaves, as this is traditionally how this day is to be started. Later, a delectable meal of Shrikhand and Puri is enjoyed with family and friends, making this festival even more special!

Mango Shrikhand

Gudi Padwa in other states

Gudi Padwa is not only celebrated in Maharashtra, but also in some other states, albeit with a different name. It is known as Samvatsar Padvo by Hindu Konkanis of Goa and Kerala, Yugadi in Karnataka, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Navreh among Kashmiri Pandits and Cheti Chand among the Sindhis.

Gudi Padwa has astronomical, religious, seasonal, historical and agricultural significance. Its importance as a harvest festival is well known. If you want to experience this fest right at the roots, plan a trip to some of the most festive destinations in Maharashtra. Check out Travelguru’s Gudi Padwa long weekend hotel deals and save big on hotel bookings!