Gudi Padwa is one of the major festivals celebrated in Maharashtra. It marks the beginning of the New Year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. This day is known as Ugadi in the Karnataka region, and people wish each other on this day. Gudi Padwa is considered one of the foremost auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures.
A gudi (banner) with a swastika–marked metal pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy. (Swastika is a symbol that has a lot of importance for the people in India. The term Swastika has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Svastika”, which means well-being. Swastika is considered to be a mark of auspiciousness and good fortune.). Traditionally, bright green or yellow cloth decorated with brocade (zari) is tied to the tip of a long bamboo on which neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves, and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in an inverted position over it. Altogether, this whole setup is called Gudi. It is raised outside the house, in a window, terrace, or a high place so that everybody can see it.
Related article: 10 fun facts about Gudu Padwa
The above picture describes the Gudi. The inverted copper pot on top: Victory, Garland: Prosperity, Brocade cloth: Wealth, Neem Leaves: Good Health, Sugar crustal: Sweetness, Bamboo; Capability
Some of the significances attributed to raising a Gudi are:
Gudi symbolizes the Brahmadhvaj (translation: Brahma’s flag) mentioned in the Brahma Purana because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It may also represent Indradhvaj (translation: the flag of Indra).
Historically, the Gudi symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after putting an end to Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudi (flag). Therefore, it is believed that this festival is celebrated to honor the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. So, people celebrated victory of lord Rama every year by raising Gudi.
Gudi is believed to invite prosperity and good luck into the house and is positioned on the right side of the house’s main entrance. The right side symbolizes the active state of the soul. Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. The festival is celebrated when the summers start, and the time for harvesting the crop arrives. Indian society is largely dependent on agriculture, which is why harvests are celebrated with much fun and frolic in the country.
Here is a quick Sooji Ladoo recipe to celebrate this auspicious day
So, once again Happy Gudi Padwa, Happy Udagi!!
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