Happy gudi padwa

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)] On this very day Lord
Brahma created the Universe. Therefore for Hindus, this
day carries special importance. The day is celebrated
with an auspicious bath, followed by decorating the
doorway with a ‘toran’, performing ritualistic worship
and hoisting the Gudhi.
Gudhi Padwa is celebrated as Ugadi (or Yugadi) in
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The day, begins with
ritual showers (oil bath) followed by pooja to god and
Panchanga Shravana.Houses are decorated with Mango
Leaves and Rangoli and everyone in the family wear new
clothes and celebrate the festival by wishing each other
New year greetings.
The eating of a specific mixture called Bevu-Bella (Neem
and Jaggery) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is
a mixture of good and bad, Happiness and Sorrow.
Eating bitter Neem and Sweet Jaggery means one need
to take both Good and Bad or Happiness and Sorrow
should be accepted together and with equanimity
through the New Year. The special mixture consists of:
1. Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying
Sadness
2. Jaggery which is sweet, signifying Happiness
In Karnataka a special dish called Obbattu or Holige
(Puran Poli), is prepared on this occasion. It consists of
a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a
paste) stuffed in a flat roti like bread. It is usually eaten
hot/cold with ghee or milk topping or coconut milk at
some places of Karnataka.
Gudhipadwa is a Yugadi tithi (A lunar day that marks the
beginning of an Era). Since Deity Brahma created the
universe on this day, scriptures describe gudhi as the
Brahmadhwaj (Flag of Deity Brahma). Prajapati waves are
present in maximum proportion on this day, and by
ritualistically worshipping a gudhi on this day the
worshipper gets maximum benefit of these waves.
Since gudhi is also a symbol of Bhagwan Shriram’s
victory, it is also known as Vijayadhwaj (Flag of victory).
Therefore, ritualistic worship of gudhi is not only the
worship of Brahmatej (Radiance of Brahman), but is also
the worship of Kshatratej (Radiance of Kshatriya).
According to the tenet that man should perform spiritual
practice and abide by Dharma (Righteousness) as per
the times, it is essential for Hindus to worship the
Brahman and Kshatra forms of the gudhi.
Besides victory, the gudhi also symbolises joy. Shriram
returned to Ayodhya after slaying demon Ravan. This
marked the beginning of Ramrajya. Gudhis were erected
in Ayodhya then as symbols of joy.
The Gudi is a symbol of victory. Amongst the various
qualities of God, ‘Being Victorious’ is one and it
symbolizes that God has achieved victory at the outset
and at various levels. To symbolize this at every level of
war, a Gudi is hoisted.
Indian society is largely dependendent on agriculture
and e celebrations and festivals are often linked with
changing seasons and to the sowing and reaping of
crops. The word ‘padwa’ is a Sanskrit word for crop,
which literally means ‘Pradurbhu.’ This day also marks
the end of one harvest and the beginning of a new one,
which for an agricultural community would signify the
beginning of a New Year. Gudi Padwa is celebrated at
the end of the Rabi season.
On this auspicious day of Hindu New Year I wish all my
readers good health, great work, contented life,
prosperity, Knowledge, freedom of thoughts & action and
most importantly peace of mind. :)
“Gudi Padvyachya Hardik Shubhecha…”