- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sat, 18 Mar 2023 01:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
GUDI PADWA or Samvatsar Padvo is a popular festival celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with great pomp and ceremonies. It is a vibrant Indian festival that marks the beginning of the new year in the Marathi calendar and the spring season in South India. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed every year on the first day of the Chaitra month. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as Ugadi or Yogadi in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on the same days.
Gudi Padwa 2023 Date And Timings
This year the festival of Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 22 across some parts of the country. According to Drik Panchang, the Patipada Tithi will begin at 10:52 PM on March 21 and end at 08:20 PM on March 22.
Gudi Padwa 2023 Significance
Gudi Padwa festival marks the beginning of the Marathi new year according to the Luni-solar calendar. The Hindu New Year based on the Solar calendar is known as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Vaisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Orissa and Naba Barsha in West Bengal.
This year will also mark the beginning of Chaitra Navratri and Ramadan on March 22 Along with the celebrations of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi in India. People in Maharashtra hoist to commemorate the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ji. 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 the Rabi crop season and the beginning of the harvest season. As per religious texts, it is considered a powerful day as Lord Brahma created the entire universe on Gudi Padwa.
Gudi Padwa 2023 Puja Rituals
Being an auspicious and popular festival of the Marathi calendar, the day begins with a ritual oil bath followed by prayers. Oil baths and eating Neem leaves are must rituals suggested by scriptures. North Indians do not celebrate Gudi Padwa but start nine days of Chaitra Navratri Puja on the same day and also eat Neem with Mishri on the very first day of Navratri, according to Drik Panchang.
