Gudi Padwa is the first day of Hindu calender. It is an auspicious day for the Hindus.
Hindu calender which is based on lunar positions consists of 12 months Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jestha, Aashad, Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik, Margshish, Paush, Magh & Falgun.
As per hindu calender Chaitra is the first month of new year. The first day of month Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is celebrated as Gudi Padwa.
In history lots of things happened on this day which is related about celebrating this festival.
- Begining of Indian New year
- As per Brahma Puran, Lord Brahma had created the universe on this day
- Commencement of Shalivahan calendar after defeating shakas.
- Lord Ram killed king of Kishkindha Vali (Bali).
- Welcome of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 year Vanvas (exile) and slaying Ravana.
- Celebration in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Victories.
- It is the first muhurt in the Saade teen Muhurt (Three & Half auspicious days in the year - Gudhi Padwa, Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami [Dasahara], Balipratipada) which does not require to see any muhurt (good time) for carrying any operation i.e. begining new work, buying any property or goods, performing any ceremony or enjoyable activity.
- Begining of Vasant rutu (Spring season)
In Maharashtra this festival celebrated by hoisting Gudi on the houses.
Gudi consists of
* Bamboo
* Cloth/Saree (generally green or yellow)
* Neem leaves
* Mango leaves
* Gathee (Sugar crystals)
* Silver or Copper pot
* garland for flowers
The gudi, also called as Brahma’s flag (Brahmadhvaj) which is symbol of Victory is hoisted high in entrance of the house, in a window or on the terrace.
It is flagged after sunrise and withdrawled before sunset.
As the Western calenders (English) new year is begining from 1st of January and in celebrations of this new years begining lots of peoples are drinking of alcohol & eating non-vegs.
Indians are really very happy that celebrating the new year of Indian calender on Gudi padwa, maximum peoples are stay away from the alcohol & non-veg.
The day begins by an auspicious bath Abhyangasnan (Ablution with oil ) early in the morning. Doors lintel decorated with a mango leaves and flowers.
Puja (ritualistic worship) of God is done. Hoisting of the Gudi.
On this day sweet dishes are prepared like Puran poli, Basundi, Shrikhand, Kheer.
Peoples greets relatives and friends on this occasion by sending greeting cards / messages.
