Celebrate Gudi Padwa - Ugadi - Cheti Chand - Baisakhi

The first Holy festival which marks the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day for the Hindus falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is known as Gudhi Padwa (in Maharashtra), Ugadi (in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh). [In other parts of country it is celebrated during Nau Roz (Kashmir), Baisakhi (Punjab), Cheti Chand (Sindhi), Naba Barsha (Bengal), Goru Bihu (Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala)

About Gudi Padwa celebrations

India being a multi cultural, multi religious country, New Year is celebrated at different times as per regional calendars. First of January according to Christian calendar is celebrated throughout India as common New Years celebrations. Nouruz is Parsi New Year celebrated by Parsi community. The first day of Marathi calendars month Chaitra or Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra as Marathi New year celebrations. The premises in and around the houses are cleaned and decorated in traditional way by making rangoli designs at entrance of the houses. Entrance doors of the houses are decorated with Torans made from mango leaves, flowers and rice. The most important part of the celebrations is to raise Gudi. Gudi’s are seen erected on the balconies or windows of most of the houses. A Gudi is a long stick with a brand new piece of cloth placed under a copper kalash. The festival received its name Gudi padwa from this Gudi’s. Traditionally, bitter leaves of neem tree are eaten on this day. A paste of crushed neem leaves, cumin seeds, jaggery and salt is taken prior eating any food in the morning. Special sweets called puran poli containing sweet stuff puran inside are prepared on this day. Gudi Padwa is considered a very auspicious day in Maharashtra. New ventures are undertaken; poojas are performed to make houses free from all evils. Gold is purchased on this day as this day is considered among the three and half Muhurtas of Hindu religion. There are some legends behind celebration of Gudi Padwa. It is said that the Universe was created by Brahma on this very special day and Satyuga or the Age of Truth and Justice began on this day.

How Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra

Being a Maharashtrian festival it is celebrated with enthusiasm at many places in the state. Mumbai observes a festive mood during this day with Marathi dominated areas taking out huge processions called Shobha Yatras. The participants are in traditional Marathi costumes like men in Sadra, Payjama and women with the Navwari sari decorated with conventional ornaments. The Shobha Yatra proceeds with the typical Marathi music and Lezim at the background. Thane as well is not lagging behind, regarding the Gudi padwa celebrations. Men and women in saffron turbans and navvari saris dance on the rhythm of music. Goa having majority Hindus is also celebrating Gudi Padwa. Shirdi celebrates this festival by keeping the spiritual aspects in mind.

This years Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Friday 23^rd March. What are your plans about buying some precious things on the sacred time of the three and half Muhurtas. This year instead of purchasing the routine gifts you can go for a gift which will be remembered for a longer time. Celebrate Gudi Padwa  by buying the vacation package of Magic Holidays  for a long period of 25 years.