Gudi Padwa 2024: Gudi Padwa is primarily celebrated by the people in Maharashtra, Goa and Konkan region, signifying the beginning of the Marathi New Year.
Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival celebrated by people in the Indian state of Maharashtra and some parts of Southern India. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar.
The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, which usually falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.
The term "Gudi Padwa" is derived from two words - "Gudi" which means flag or banner, and "Padwa" which means the first day of the new year. So, Gudi Padwa literally means the flag of the new year.
On this day, people hoist a Gudi flag outside their homes, which is made by hoisting a bright cloth on a bamboo stick along with flowers, neem leaves, and a copper or silver vessel.
The Gudi flag symbolizes victory and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good luck to the household.
People also decorate their homes with rangoli, prepare traditional dishes like puran poli, shrikhand, and poori bhaji, and exchange gifts with friends and family.
Gudi Padwa is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures, buying new assets, or making important decisions.
In Maharashtra, the festival is also associated with the legendary king Shalivahana, who is believed to have defeated the Sakas and started the Shalivahana calendar.
Gudi Padwa is not just celebrated in Maharashtra but also in other states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where it is known as Ugadi.
The festival is a time for joy, renewal, and hope for a prosperous year ahead, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by people of all ages.