Gudi Padwa (गुढी पाडवा) -Rohit Kumar Parmar

Gudi Padwa (गुढी पाडवा)

Rohit Kumar Parmar

Gudi Padwa or Samvatsar Padvo is celebrated as new year by Maharashtrians and Konkanis. Gudi means flag and padava (padavo) comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a waxing moon. In 2021, the Lunar New Year and Solar New Year dates have coincided and several of the Indian festivals are falling on April 13/14, 2021.

Gudhi Padva signifies the arrival of spring and to the reaping of Rabi crop. Gudi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck. The festival is observed with rangoli, street processions, dancing and festive foods.

A notable sight during Gudi Padwa are the numerous Gudi arrangements at every household through a window or on the terrace visible to all. It is colourful silk scarf/cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo, with one or more spurs of neem/mango leaves attached along with a garland of flowers. This arrangement is capped with a kalash (pot) signifying victory.

Villages or neighbourhoods also come together and host a community Gudhi Kavad, which they carry together to the local Shiva temple.

The festival is linked to Brahma who created the universe. It is believed that this festival is also celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.