Gudhi Padwa is an important festival of the people of Maharashtra which is celebrated to welcome the new year.  It also heralds the advent of the spring season which is also closely associated with agriculture.

It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the cosmic universe. Therefore, on this auspicious day, Lord Brahma is worshiped and the Gudhi is hoisted to invoke the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu to shower his blessings on the family.

On this day, people young and old begin their day with a holy bath and wear new clothes. Maharashtrian women generally drape a nauvari which is a nine yard saree and adorn themselves with traditional jewellery. Men are usually dressed in a kurta pyjama and sport a saffron or red turban.

Women and children enjoy making beautiful rangolis. Nowadays, people use flowers and candles to make the rangoli look more attractive. The rangoli is meant to ward off negative energies and bring in good luck.

On Gudhi Padwa,  a red, yellow or saffron cloth which is considered auspicious is hoisted on a stick and a new kalash made of silver, copper or bronze is inverted over it and placed near the entrance of the house. This is called the Gudhi. It is decorated with red and yellow flowers which are believed to be auspicious and symbols of fertility and well being. The Gudhi is a sign of prosperity and good things to come.

Usually on festivals, we love to eat sweet prasad, but during Gudhi Padwa,  people are treated to a unique preparation made from neem and jaggery which signifies the bitter sweet experiences in the journey of life.

Various delicacies are also prepared like puran poli, puri shrikhand, ambe dal, batatyachi bhaji, chana usal and even modaks which are relished on this occasion with family, friends and  relatives.

A unique interesting fact about this festival is that women in Maharashtra ride motor cycles while wearing nine yard sarees. This tradition has its roots in celebrating heroic Marathi women in history who rode horses.

As Gudhi Padwa is considered auspicious, people usually wait for this day to buy a new home or a vehicle.

This day is of great significance in some other states of India and is known by various names such as Ugadi in Telugu and Yugadi in Kannada. 

 I wish all my readers a happy Gudhi Padwa. May the New Year bring prosperity to all.