Gudi Padwa: In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is a big celebration showing the start of the harvest season. It is like New Year’s Day for the people there, following the Hindu calendar.
The name “Gudi Padwa” comes from two words – ‘Gudi’, which represents Brahma’s flag, and ‘Padwa’, ‘Padva’, or ‘Paddava’, meaning the first day when the moon shines brightly.
Gudi Padwa 2024 Date and Time
| Event | Date | Time |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | April 8, 2024 | 11:50 PM |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | April 9, 2024 | 08:30 PM |
On April 8, 2024, at 11:50 PM, the Pratipada Tithi begins. This marks the start of Gudi Padwa celebrations, the Hindu New Year in Maharashtra. It’s a time for new beginnings and special traditions.
The Pratipada Tithi ends on April 9, 2024, at 08:30 PM. Families come together to celebrate with rituals and festive meals. It’s a happy time, full of hope for the new year ahead.
During this time, people gather to enjoy the festivities and share joy with loved ones. It’s a reminder of fresh starts and good fortune as they welcome the new year.
Gudi Padwa falls on the first day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar. Usually, it happens between March and April in the regular calendar we use. This year, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on April 9, 2024.
| Festival | Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gudi Padwa | Tuesday | 9 April 2024 |
Gudi Padwa is an important festival in Maharashtra, and it will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Following the Hindu calendar, it’s like New Year’s Day for people in Maharashtra.
On this day, families raise a Gudi, which is a decorated pole with colorful cloth, flowers, and a symbol of Lord Brahma. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Families gather together for the celebrations, which include traditional rituals, delicious meals, and cultural activities. They reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and look forward to new beginnings. Gudi Padwa is a time of happiness, renewal, and thankfulness for the people of Maharashtra.
Gudi Padwa Celebration
During Gudi Padwa, people get ready for the new year by cleaning their homes and yards to keep everything nice and tidy. They take a special oil bath, and women decorate their doorways with colorful patterns called “Rangolis.” Everyone wears new clothes, like kurta-pajamas or sarees, as part of the tradition.
The most important part of the festival is raising the Gudi. After it is raised, people make a human pyramid to reach it and break a coconut that is inside. This is a big ritual in Maharashtra, and only men and older boys can join in.
Another custom is eating Neem leaves, which marks the start of the festival. The leaves can be eaten raw or made into a chutney with jaggery and other seeds. People also make special dishes like Shrikhand, which is a sweet eaten with Poori, Pooran Poli, Chana, and Soonth Panak.
If you are in Maharashtra during Gudi Padwa, you can join in the celebrations too. Lots of traditional foods, especially sweets, are made. And remember, this festival is celebrated in other parts of India too, like Ugadi in Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihu in Assam, and Poila Boishakh in West Bengal.
Gudi Padwa History
Gudi Padwa has many stories and mythological references. In the Brahma Purana, a sacred Hindu text, it is said that after a natural disaster wiped out everyone and time stopped, Lord Brahma recreated the world. On this day, time began again, marking the start of an era of justice and truth. That’s why Lord Brahma is worshipped on Gudi Padwa.
Another story is about Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxman after 14 years of exile. Gudi Padwa celebrates his victory over Ravana. People hoist Gudi flags at home, similar to how they were raised in Ayodhya after Rama’s triumph.
Additionally, there is a historical significance to Gudi. According to history, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated the Mughals and liberated the people of Maharashtra from their rule. This is why people in Maharashtra raise the Gudi flag on this day. It’s believed to protect homes from evil forces.
Gudi Padwa Significance
Raising the Gudi at home is thought to keep away bad spirits and bring good fortune and success. Gudi Padwa celebrates the win of good over bad, recalling when Lord Rama defeated Ravana.
This day also starts the spring season and is celebrated as a harvest festival. It’s a happy time when we’re thankful for all the good things nature gives us.
Gudi Padwa has different names in different states. In Maharashtra, it’s called Samvatsar Padvo. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it’s known as Ugadi or Yugadi. In Gujarat, it’s Cheti Chand, and in Kashmir, it’s Navreh. Even in Manipur, it’s celebrated as Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.
Lots of people think Gudi Padwa is a lucky time to buy important things, like gold or a new car. They see it as a time to begin new projects and welcome good luck.
Gudi Padwa Rituals
Many people believe that Gudi Padwa is a fortunate time to make big purchases, such as buying gold or a new car. They view it as a fresh start, perfect for kicking off new projects and inviting good fortune into their lives.
For these individuals, Gudi Padwa holds special significance beyond its traditional celebrations. It’s a time filled with optimism and hope, where they feel empowered to make bold decisions and embrace opportunities for growth and prosperity.
The act of buying gold or a new vehicle symbolizes their desire to invest in their future and enhance their lives. It’s a way to mark the occasion and set positive intentions for the days ahead.
Whether it’s purchasing jewelry, a vehicle, or even starting a new business venture, Gudi Padwa serves as a beacon of positivity and possibility for those who observe it. It’s a time when dreams are born and aspirations are pursued with renewed vigor and determination.
Also Read: Tamil New Year 2024: Date, History, Celebration and Know All About The Hindu Tamil Festival
1. What is special about Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padva celebrates the start of spring and the harvest of crops. It’s connected to the mythological story of when the Hindu god Brahma made time and the world.
2. When was Gudi Padwa first celebrated?
Some people also think that Gudi Padwa celebrates the Marathas winning against the Mughals in the 17th century. Legend says that after their victory, Chattrapati Shivaji raised a ‘gudi,’ and the custom has continued ever since.
3. What is Gudi made of?
A Gudi is created by wrapping a fresh piece of cloth around a five-foot-long bamboo stick. Neem leaves and a garland made of sugar candy are placed on top of it. The stick is then placed in a silver or bronze pot. It’s seen as a symbol of victory and is believed to keep away bad spirits while inviting good fortune.
