Gudi Padwa: A New Beginning

Gudi Padwa is the Marathi term that replicates the concept of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada or the first days of the Chaitra month(March-April) which also marks the New Year as per the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Gudi Padwa is believed to bring in prosperity and good luck into home. It is also considered an auspicious day to commence new projects and buy new things. 
Gudi Padwa's most prominent symbol is elaborately decorated bamboo stick displayed proudly outside the window or main gate of a house, this is 'Gudi' and is created using a bright color cloth like red, orange, green, yellow adorned with zari work. This cloth is tied to a bamboo tip and is further decorated using neem leaves, mango leaves, a garland of red flowers and sugar crystals. A copper or silver pot is then placed atop of it. The 'Padwa' means 'first' and it has been derived from Sanskrit literature. Celebrated as the first day of the Hindu calendar, Gudi Padwa together, is a wonderful representation of victory against every level of war.

Gudi Padwa celebrations were initiated by Chatrapati Shivaji. It is believed that Chatrapati Shivaji was the first to raise the Gudi, and from then it became a tradition that was followed in every Maharashtrian household. Also, according to legends, when lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after a 14 years of exile; people of Ayodhya hoisted Gudis out of their windows to welcome him. Gudi symbolizes the overwhelming victory of Shalivahana king over the Sakas and for the first time it was hoisted by the people of his country when he returned to Paithan. It also symbolizes the Bramhmadvaj or the flag of Bramha as it is believed that Bramha created the world on this day.

On the day of Gudi Padwa, the houses are cleaned and rangoli designs are made in front of the house with burst of colors signifying the arrival of spring season. People wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear new clothes. Delicious food cannot be too far away from any Indian celebration! However, the festivity of Gudi Padwa is started by consuming neem leaves, sometimes raw and sometimes mixed with tamarind and jaggery. Popular delicacies include 'Shrikhand' and 'Poori' or 'Puran Poli' made mostly in Maharashtrian households. On the other hand Konkani's prepare 'Sanna' and 'Kanangachi Kheer' a type of Kheer made using sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery and rice flour. During the evening of Gudi Padwa, Lezim, traditional Maharashtrian folk dance is performed in Maharashtra.