PANAJI
Today, March 30, is Gudi Padwa, the first day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar. This festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar New Year and is celebrated under different names across India.
In Goa and Maharashtra, it is called Gudi Padwa. In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, it is known as Ugadi. Punjab celebrates it as Baisakhi, while the northern states mark it as Chaitra Navratri. West Bengal calls it Pohela Boisakh, Gujarat celebrates Bestu Varas, and Tamil Nadu observes Puthandu. In Kerala, it is known as Vishu, in Sikkim as Losoong, in Assam as Bohag Bihu, and in Kashmir as Navreh. The Sindhi community celebrates it as Cheti Chand. This diversity highlights India’s rich cultural heritage, where different regions celebrate the same festival under various names.
Significance of the Day
Pratipada, the first day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar, marks the beginning of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). It represents new beginnings and encourages people to focus on self-care, spiritual practices, and balance. Chanting mantras such as the Ganapati Mantra, Gayatri Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Durga Mantra, and Shanti Mantra on this day is believed to bring blessings and positive energy.
A Time of Prosperity and Renewal
Gudhi Padwa is more than just a New Year celebration; it has deep spiritual and historical importance. It marks the beginning of the harvesting season and the arrival of spring, making it a time of prosperity for farmers. Astrologically, it coincides with the Sun’s movement into Aries (Mesha Rashi), symbolising the start of a new cycle.
The festival signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and victory. It is celebrated with colourful rituals, festive foods, and the symbolic hoisting of the Gudi. For many Maharashtrians, it also commemorates the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the establishment of the Maratha Empire. The Gudi, hoisted outside homes, represents success, power, and divine blessings.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, marking the beginning of time. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Why Hoist the Gudi?
The most important ritual of Gudhi Padwa is the hoisting of the Gudhi outside homes. A Gudhi is made using a bright silk cloth, mango and neem leaves, a garland of flowers, and an inverted silver or copper pot placed atop a bamboo stick. It is hoisted at the entrance or on the terrace to ward off evil, invite prosperity, and mark a victorious beginning.
Before hoisting the Gudi, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flowers and rangoli. Mango leaves and marigold flowers are hung at entrances, similar to Dussehra. People take an oil bath early in the morning, like during Deepavali’s Abhyang Snaan, and wear new ethnic attire. Special prayers are offered to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous year ahead.
Neem & Jaggery Prasad
A unique tradition of Gudi Padwa is eating a mixture of neem leaves, jaggery, and tamarind. This mixture symbolises accepting both bitter and sweet experiences in life while also boosting immunity. A similar tradition is followed during Narak Chaturdashi in the Deepavali festival when families consume neem leaves.
Festive Feasts and Celebrations
No Indian festival is complete without delicious food, and Gudi Padwa is no exception. Traditional Maharashtrian dishes like puran poli, shrikhand puri, and kothimbir vadi are prepared. Sweets such as kheer, payasam, sheera, and basundi add to the festive spirit.
Gudi Padwa is one of Goa’s most important festivals, strengthening cultural identity and community bonds. It is a time of hope, happiness, and prosperity—a day to embrace new beginnings, express gratitude, and celebrate with loved ones. Whether through rituals, food, or festive gatherings, the spirit of Gudi Padwa brings joy and positivity to all who celebrate it.
