Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa Significance

The word Gudi means “flag”, and Padwa represents “the first day of the lunar fortnight”. Together, the Gudi Padwa meaning in English indicates the flag hoisting done to celebrate new beginnings on the first auspicious night of the Spring. This is where the Gudi padwa significance lies.

Moreover, Gudi Padwa importance is immense as it's believed to ward off evil and bring peace and harmony. Astrologically, too, the Sun moves into the first house of Aries, hinting at new possibilities. It is said to be the best time for Vastu Puja and purchasing a new car, house, or gold.

Why We Celebrate Gudi Padwa - Story And History

The reason why we celebrate Gudi Padwa lies in Gudi padwa history and mythologies. These stories make this festival an essential part of Marathi and Konkani culture:

Mythology Behind Gudi Padwa Festival

• Lord Rama’s Victory: According to Hindu mythology, Gudi Padwa marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after he won over Ravana. This victory symbolises the success of good over evil, making Gudi Padwa a time for new beginnings.
• Creation of Time by Lord Brahma: Another story connects the festival with Lord Brahma, who is believed to have created time, days, months, and years on this day. His divine creation makes it an auspicious time to begin new ventures.

History Behind Gudi Padwa Festival

• King Shalivahana’s Victory: Gudi Padwa history mentions the celebration of King Shalivahana’s win over the Sakas. His success led to the establishment of a new era, and the hoisting of the Gudi symbolises this win.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Win Over the Mughals: It was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who first realised Gudi Padwa importance and celebrated it. He did it after his win over the Mughals, symbolising new beginnings.

Gudi Padwa Rituals / Puja Vidhi

Every year, people in Maharashtra celebrate Gudi Padwa by carefully following all rituals. Let's look at the Puja Vidhi observed on the Gudipadva date.

• Rangoli Decorations: At the entrance of all the Maharashtrian households, colourful rangoli are made using coloured powders.
• Installing Gudi or Flag: Next, the Gudi Padwa flag is tied to a long bamboo with a beautiful silk scarf. At the top, neem and mango leaves are also attached, along with flower malas.
• Decorating Gudi: The flag is then crowned with a copper or silver vessel to mark the victory and new beginnings.
• Gudi Padwa Puja: Then starts the home Puja or havan, where Lord Brahma is worshipped through mantras and Davna offerings ( a fragrant plant). Later, a havan is held where offerings to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are made through fire.
• Prasad Distribution: Traditional sweets like Puran Poli and Shrikhand are offered to Gods and later distributed as Prasad.
• Meal to mark unity and love: Later, food items like Aambe Dal and Sunth Paak are prepared, and relatives and in-laws of newly married daughters are invited for a wholesome meal.

Gudi Padwa Remedies For A Prosperous Future

Celebrating the Gudi Padwa festival pleases deities and promises a happy and prosperous future. Hence, we must make the most of it by practising certain Gudi Padwa Remedies.

• Gudi Padwa Remedy For Wealth: On the day of Gudi Padwa, you must chant - “Om Brahma Devaya Vidmahe, Vishnu Putraya Dheemahi, Tanno Brahma Prachodayat." (ॐ ब्रह्म देवाय विद्महे, विष्णु पुत्राय धीमहि, तन्नो ब्रह्म प्रचोदयात्।). This mantra pleases Lord Brahma and attracts wealth and abundance.
• Gudi Padwa Remedy For Health: Apply the turmeric paste called “Ubtan” made on the Gudipadva date. Turmeric healing properties are enhanced during this time, cleansing the body from within and giving the skin a healthy glow.
• Gudi Padwa Remedy For Love and Marriage: Take a mustard oil bath mixed with Ganga jal on Gudi Padwa special day. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi is present in the oil, and Goddess Ganga is in the water, blessing us with a good love life and marriage.

Things To Avoid On Gudi Padwa

To fully devote yourself to the experience of Gudi Padwa, one must remember the doe’s and don’ts of its rituals. Here are some things one should keep in mind.

• The Gudi Padwa festival flag should be hoisted rightly. The most favourable direction to hoist Gudi is the South or West direction.
• One must not lend or borrow money from anyone on the day of Gudi Padwa.
• One should not broom the floor of your home on the main day of Gudi Padwa as it is believed to bring bad luck and negativity.
• One should avoid drinking alcohol and non-vegetarian food on Gudi Padwa.