Happy Gudi Padwa 2024: Gudi Padwa is the first day of the year for Maharashtrians and Konkanis. It marks the start of a new cycle called Samvatsara, which lasts for sixty years. Each of these sixty years has a special name. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, people celebrate this day as Ugadi. Both Gudi Padwa and Ugadi fall on the same day.
Gudi Padwa is considered the Marathi New Year according to the Luni-Solar calendar. This calendar uses the positions of the Moon and the Sun to divide the year into months and days. In contrast, the Solar calendar only uses the position of the Sun.
?Because of this difference, Hindu New Year is celebrated twice in the year, with different names and at different times. In Tamil Nadu, it's called Puthandu, in Assam, it's Bihu, in Punjab, it's Vaisakhi, in Orissa, it's Pana Sankranti, and in West Bengal, it's Naba Barsha.
The day starts with a ritual oil bath and prayers. According to scriptures, taking an oil bath and eating Neem leaves are important rituals. North Indians don't celebrate Gudi Padwa, but they start the nine days of Chaitra Navratri Puja on the same day and also eat Neem with Mishri on the first day of Navratri.
As the celebration of Gudi Padwa is just around the corner let¡¯s explore its date, timings, history, rituals and wishes, quotes and images to share with your loved ones on Marathi New Year:
Gudi Padwa is a festival celebrated mostly in Maharashtra. It marks the start of the harvest season. People in Maharashtra consider it as the beginning of their new year. The name "Gudi Padwa" comes from two words: "Gudi" means Brahma's flag, and "Padwa" means the first day when the moon looks bright.
Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls between March and April. This year, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Gudi Padwa 2024 date | Tuesday, April 09 |
Pratipada Tithi Begins | 11:50 om on Apr 08, 2024 |
Pratipada Tithi Ends | 08:30 pm on Apr 09, 2024 |
Gudi Padwa has many stories. One story is about Lord Brahma restarting time and bringing justice. People worship Lord Brahma on this day. Another story is about Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People celebrate his victory by hoisting Gudi flags like they did in Ayodhya. Also, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated the Mughals and freed Maharashtra. People believe hoisting Gudi flags on this day keeps evil away from their homes.
Gudi Padwa is a special day celebrated to keep away bad spirits and bring good luck and wealth into your life. It's a day of victory for good over evil, remembering when Lord Rama defeated Ravana. This day marks the beginning of spring and is also a harvest festival. Different states call it by different names, like Samvatsar Padvo, Ugadi, Yugadi, Cheti Chand, or Navreh. In Manipur, it's called Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba. Many people think it's a lucky day to buy gold or a new vehicle.
Welcome to a celebration of diverse cultures and traditions! As we embrace the dawn of new beginnings, we extend heartfelt wishes to our Sikh, Tamil, Bengali, Odia, Malayalam, and Tripura friends on their respective New Year festivities. In this tapestry of joy and unity, we rejoice in the richness of our cultural heritage. May this auspicious time bring boundless happiness, prosperity, and peace to each heart and home. Together, let us cherish the values of love, harmony, and togetherness as we embark on a journey filled with hope and promise. Join us in spreading warmth and good cheer as we celebrate the spirit of New Year across vibrant communities.
Q. What is Gudi Padwa and why is it celebrated?
Gudi Padwa is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in Maharashtra and other parts of India. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Q. How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
Gudi Padwa is celebrated with great enthusiasm and rituals. People clean their houses, decorate the entrance with colorful rangoli designs, and hoist a Gudi (a bamboo stick with a cloth adorned with flowers, mango leaves, and a garlanded deity). Traditional sweets like puran poli and shrikhand are prepared, and families come together to exchange greetings and gifts.
Q. What is the significance of hoisting the Gudi on Gudi Padwa?
Hoisting the Gudi at home is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good luck into the household. The Gudi symbolizes victory and is a way of invoking blessings from the gods for a prosperous year ahead.
Q. Are there any regional variations in celebrating Gudi Padwa?
Yes, Gudi Padwa is celebrated under different names and with slight variations across different states of India. For example, it is known as Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Yugadi in Telangana, and Cheti Chand in Sindhi communities. Each region adds its own cultural flavor to the celebrations while retaining the essence of welcoming the new year.
Q. Is there any traditional significance to purchasing gold or new vehicles on Gudi Padwa?
Yes, many people consider Gudi Padwa to be an auspicious day for making significant purchases like gold jewelry or vehicles. It is believed that making such investments on this day brings prosperity and good fortune throughout the year. This tradition reflects the cultural belief in starting the new year on an auspicious note by making symbolic investments in assets that hold value and significance.
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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