- By James Kuanal
- Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:22 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: One of the vibrant festivals in the country, Gudi Padwa is celebrated to mark the beginning of the traditional new year (in Marathi calendar) and spring season (in south India). The festival usually falls on the first day of Chaitra under Shukla Pratipada. The festival is widely celebrated by Maharashtrians across India. As per religious beliefs, hoisting Gudi brings wealth and fortune.
In south India, people celebrate it in the form of Ugadi and celebrate the day by performing crop harvest. Gudi Padwa begins with an oil bathing ceremony, followed by decorating the main door with mango leaves, performing rituals and hoisting a Gudi flag. During this festival, Marathi men wear Kurta Pajama and tied a turban around their heads, while Marathi women dress in themselves in traditional attire.
Significance of Gudi Padwa
People in Maharashtra also hoist Gudi to commemorate the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Devotees also hoist Gudi as a symbol of Lord Ram's return from exile after 14 years.
Farmers celebrate the festival to celebrate the end of Rabi crop season and the beginning of harvest season.
As per religious texts, it is considered a powerful day as Lord Brahma created the entire universe on Gudi Padwa.
Timing
This year Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 25. There is no specific muhurat for the festival as the entire day is considered auspicious.
Puja Vidhi
Wake up before sunrise and take bath.
Observe fast.
Clean each and every corner of the house
Hoist a Gudi Padwa flag and worship it for 5 minutes after sunrise
Prepare a rangoli at the entrance of the Puja room.
Place the Gudi on the right side of the main door.
Place red flowers, silk clothes and mango tree leaves on the Gudi.
Make a swastika with turmeric powder and vermilion
Light candles during worship.
On the next day, drink water from a copper pot.
Serve clothes to the needy.
