GUDI PADWA
“GUDI PADWA” is a Maharashtrian festival , which is also known as “MARATHI NEW YEAR”. This festival celebrated in the month of chaitra, according to the HINDU calendar which falls during the month of march/april. This festival symbolizes HAPPINESS and PEACE among all the people. This year the festival is celebrated on 25th of March according to the HINDU calendar.
This festival is celebrated with colourful decoration known as ‘RANGOLI' and a GUDI i.e a stick called bamboo and top of the bamboo there kept a silver or copper vessel turned up decorated with garlands, flowers and a piece of cloth.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GUDI:
According to the mythological myths, LORD BRAHMA created this universe ad time . On the same, it is said that on this day LORD RAM had a victory over the evil RAVAN.
That’s the reason Gudi Padwa is celebrated. It signifies the arrival of spring and the reaping of RABI crops.
THE GUDI: A notable sight during Gudi Padwa are the numerous Gudhi (or Gudi) arrangements at every household. It is a bright colorful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo. On top of it, one or more boughs of neem leaves and mango leaves are attached along with a garland of flowers. This arrangement is capped with a silver, bronze or copper pot (handi or kalash) signifying victory or achievement. The whole arrangement is hoisted outside each household, typically to the right, or through a window or terrace. It is visible to everybody. Villages or neighborhoods also come together and host a community Gudhi Kavad, which they carry together to the local Shiva temple. Some temples are located on the top of hills, and groups work together to help reach the kavad to the top.
Historically, the Gudi symbolizes LORD RAMA' s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudi (flag). It is believed that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of RAMA post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile
Gudi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house. After the Gudi is made to stand on the roof of the top , they prepare a special dish made of special ingredient i.e neem leaves , jaggery. This dish signifies the life’s bitter experience and looking forward to the happiness .
2 Comments