Gudi Padwa 2023

Gudi Padwa is an important Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Maharashtra and some parts of Southern India. It marks the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “गुडी पडवा” पर क्लिक करें।

The word ‘Gudi’ refers to a flag, and ‘Padwa’ is a Sanskrit term that refers to the first day of the lunar month. On this day, people hoist a Gudi (a bamboo stick with a silk cloth and a garlanded copper or silver vessel placed on top of it) outside their homes as a symbol of victory, prosperity, and good luck.

 

The significance of Gudi Padwa is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It is also believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana on this day, and people welcomed him by hoisting Gudi outside their homes.

On this day, people decorate their homes with rangolis and flowers. Women wear traditional sarees, and men wear kurta-pajama or dhoti. Special dishes are prepared, such as Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Puri Bhaji, among others. People also visit temples and perform puja rituals to seek blessings from God for a prosperous year ahead.

 

Gudi Padwa is not only celebrated in Maharashtra but also in other parts of India, such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is a festival that symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and positivity. It brings people together and strengthens the bond of love, respect, and unity.

 

Importance of Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is an important festival in the Hindu calendar and holds great significance for the people of Maharashtra and other parts of India. Here are some reasons why Gudi Padwa is considered an important festival:

New Year's Day: Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. It is a time when people reflect on the past year, make new resolutions, and start afresh with renewed hope and enthusiasm. It is an occasion to celebrate new beginnings and a new cycle of life.

 

Victory and Good Luck: Gudi Padwa is associated with the victory of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana on this day, and people welcomed him by hoisting the Gudi. The Gudi is also believed to symbolize victory, prosperity, and good luck. People hoist the Gudi outside their homes to ward off evil and invite good luck and prosperity into their lives.

Cultural Significance: Gudi Padwa is a festival that is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. It is an occasion when people come together to celebrate their traditions and customs. On this day, people decorate their homes with rangolis and flowers, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes. It is also a time when people visit temples, perform puja rituals, and seek blessings from God for a prosperous year ahead.

 

Unity and Togetherness: Gudi Padwa is a festival that brings people together and strengthens the bond of love, respect, and unity. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and share their joy and happiness. People exchange greetings and sweets, and the festival promotes a sense of community and togetherness.

 

Gudi Padwa is associated with various beliefs and customs. Let's explore some of them

One popular belief associated with the festival of Gudi is that a potter-son named Shalivahana conquered his enemies with an army of mud soldiers on this day, leading to the commencement of the Shalivahana Shaka.

Some people use the Gudi to commemorate the victory of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Gudi Padwa is also believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe, which is why the Gudi is also known as Brahmadhvaj or Indra Dhwaj.

According to another belief, during the Ramayana period, Lord Sri Ram liberated people from the tyrannical rule of Vanararaj Bali on the day of Gudi Padwa. The people there hoisted the victory flag in their homes, which is still done today, and this is why the day is known as Gudi Padwa.

 

Applying Gudi is believed to bring prosperity to the house

Gudi is also known as the Dharma-Flag, and each part of it has a specific meaning, with the inverted character representing the head and the Dand representing the Meru Dand.

Farmers celebrate the joy of sowing after harvesting the rabi crop again during this festival. They also plow the fields on this day to pray for a good harvest.

Among Hindus, three and a half Muhurats are considered auspicious throughout the year, with Gudi Padwa, Akshaya Tritiya, Dussehra, and Diwali being considered half Muhurta.

 

History related to Gudi Padwa

One of the significant events associated with Gudi Padwa is the victory of the Maratha king Shivaji over the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1679. It is believed that on this day, Shivaji hoisted a saffron flag, also known as a Gudi, on his palace in Raigad to mark his triumph over the Mughals. The tradition of hoisting the Gudi on this day is said to have started from that time.

Another mythological story associated with Gudi Padwa is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana in Lanka. According to the legend, the people of Ayodhya celebrated Lord Rama's homecoming by hoisting a flag made of gold and silver, which is believed to be the origin of the Gudi.

 

Apart from these historical and mythological events, Gudi Padwa is also associated with agricultural practices. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. People clean their houses, decorate them with flowers and rangolis, and prepare special dishes like puran poli, shrikhand, and aamras to celebrate the festival.

 

Puja-Vidhi of Gudi Padwa

Preparations: Before the festival day, people clean their houses and decorate them with rangolis and flowers. They also prepare for the Gudi by obtaining a long bamboo stick, covering it with a silk or cotton cloth, and adorning it with a garland of flowers, neem leaves, and a sugar crystal.

 

Puja: On the day of Gudi Padwa, people wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They then perform the Gudi Puja, which involves placing the Gudi in a prominent place in the house or outside, usually on a window or balcony. The Gudi is then worshipped with offerings of flowers, sweets, and incense.

 

Aarti: After the Puja, people perform an aarti of the Gudi by lighting a lamp and waving it around the Gudi. They also sing hymns and chant mantras to seek blessings from the divine.

 

Feast: The festival of Gudi Padwa is also a time for feasting and celebrating with family and friends. People prepare special dishes like puran poli, shrikhand, and aamras and offer them to the Gudi as prasad before serving them to the guests.

 

Exchange of greetings: Gudi Padwa is also a time for exchanging greetings and wishes. People greet each other by saying "Gudhi Padwa Padachya Hardik Shubhechha" or "Nav Varshachya Hardik Shubhechha" which means "Wishing you a happy Gudi Padwa" or "Wishing you a happy New Year".

 

On Gudi Padwa, people perform various rituals and ceremonies to mark the start of the New Year. These include Phal Shravan, which involves reading the horoscope for the upcoming year, taking an Oil Abhyanga or bath with oil, and consuming Nimba Patra or neem leaves. The day is also marked by hoisting flags, observing Chaitra Navratri, and performing Ghat Sthapana. During the Puja, people recite specific mantras to seek blessings from the divine. Some individuals also observe a fast on this auspicious day.

 

Morning Vrat Sankalp

To begin the Gudi Padwa Puja, one can recite the mantra 

"ॐ Vishnu: Vishnu: Vishnu: Adya Brahmano Vyasa: Parardhe Sriswetavarakaalpe Jambudvipe Bharatvarshe Amuknamasamvatsare Chaitrasukh Pratipadi Amukwasara Amukgotrah Amukanamaham Praharamanasya Navvarsyasya Prathamdivase Vishwasrijah Sri Brahmanah Prasadaya Vratam Karishye". 

This mantra seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu and is recited on the first day of the Chaitra month. Those who are fasting should also chant the mantra

 "ॐ Chaturbhirvadanai: Vedana Chaturo Bhavayan Subhan.Brahma mein Jagantam srishta Hridaye Shashvatah Vaset" after the Puja. This mantra praises Lord Brahma and seeks his blessings for a peaceful and prosperous life.

 

The Vidhi of Observing Gudi Padwa

The Vidhi of observing Gudi Padwa involves cleaning and decorating the house, preparing the Gudi, offering prayers, visiting temples, sharing sweets, and participating in cultural activities. It is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year and brings hope and positivity to people's lives.

Following a morning bath, the Gudi is adorned with decorations.

People engage in cleaning their homes, and in villages, houses may be painted using cow dung.

The Shastras recommend performing Abhyanga Snaan during Arunodaya.

There is a custom of promptly worshipping the Gudi after sunrise, without delay.

Houses are adorned with beautiful Rangoli designs made using bright colors and fresh flowers.

People dress up in new and attractive attire, with Marathi women donning nauvari sarees and men wearing kurta-pajamas or dhoti-kurtas with saffron or red turbans.

Families come together to celebrate the festival, sharing congratulations for the new year.

It is customary to listen to the horoscope for the new year on this day.

Sweet neem leaves are traditionally eaten as prasad on Gudi Padwa, along with jaggery and tamarind chutney. This is believed to purify the blood and boost the body's immunity, with the chutney symbolizing the ups and downs of life.

A variety of delicacies, including Sreekhand, Puran Poli, and Kheer, are prepared for Gudi Padwa.

In the evening, people participate in the traditional dance known as lezim.

 

How to Install Gudi

The installation of Gudi is an essential part of the celebrations, and in this article, we will discuss the steps on how to install Gudi.

Gather Materials: To install Gudi, you will need a bamboo stick, a bright silk cloth, neem leaves, a garland of flowers, and a sugar crystal. You can also add other decorations such as mirrors and beads to the Gudi.

Prepare the Bamboo Stick: Select a bamboo stick that is about 5-6 feet long and 1-2 inches thick. Sand it with a rough paper to remove any rough edges or splinters. Polish it with sandpaper to give it a smooth finish.

 

Wrap the Cloth: Take a bright silk cloth of about 2-3 feet in length and 1.5 feet in width. Wrap it tightly around the bamboo stick, leaving about 6 inches of cloth free at the top.

Tie the Neem Leaves and Garland: Tie a bunch of neem leaves to the top of the bamboo stick, followed by a garland of flowers. You can also tie a few mango leaves to the garland for added decoration.

Add the Sugar Crystal: Tie a sugar crystal to the top of the neem leaves, making sure it is secure.

Display the Gudi: Place the Gudi on a window or balcony facing east or north, where it can be easily seen. It is believed that the Gudi should be installed at a height that is at least above the height of a person.

Perform Puja: Once the Gudi is installed, perform a puja or prayer ceremony. Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Gudi, along with the recitation of mantras and shlokas.

 

Celebrate: After the puja, celebrate the festival of Gudi Padwa with your family and friends. Wear new clothes, prepare special dishes and sweets, and participate in cultural activities.

On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, which is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, it is customary to install Pataka and Toran at home. The term "Gudi" signifies victory, and as such, people install flags and other decorative items in their homes to symbolize their triumph and good fortune. However, while some may choose to install these items in any direction or location in the house, according to religious and Vastu Shastra principles, it is recommended to place them in the south-east corner, i.e., the Aagneya Kodh. Therefore, it is important to follow the proper procedures for installing Pataka on this day. A red Pataka measuring one-and-a-half hands should be displayed on a five-handed high pole. Additionally, some people also choose to install Dhwaja, which has four corners, as an alternative to Pataka, which has three corners. Ultimately, either of these items can be installed to mark the occasion of Gudi Padwa.

 

In whose name should you meditate while installing Pataka?

Pataka is a term used in Hinduism for a flag or banner that is typically installed during religious festivals or events. Meditation is often performed during the installation of a Pataka, as a way to invoke spiritual energy and blessings.

When it comes to the question of in whose name one should meditate while installing Pataka, the answer will vary depending on individual beliefs and traditions. In Hinduism, there are many deities that are worshipped, and each deity is associated with different qualities and attributes. Therefore, the choice of the deity to be invoked during the installation of a Pataka will depend on the particular festival or occasion, as well as personal preference.

 

For example, during the festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, one may choose to meditate on her name while installing the Pataka. Similarly, during Diwali, the festival of lights, one may choose to meditate on the name of Lord Rama or Goddess Lakshmi while installing the Pataka.

In some cases, people may choose to meditate on the name of their guru or spiritual teacher, or on the name of a particular saint or holy figure that they revere. Ultimately, the choice of the name to meditate on while installing Pataka will depend on one's personal beliefs and spiritual practices.

 

Dishes made on Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra and some other parts of the country. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is typically observed in the month of March or April. On this day, people decorate their homes with rangoli designs, hoist a gudi (a special flag) outside their homes, and prepare special dishes to share with family and friends.

Here are some of the traditional dishes that are made on Gudi Padwa

Puran Poli: Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread that is made with a filling of sweetened lentils and spices. It is a staple dish in Maharashtra and is often served during festive occasions like Gudi Padwa.

 

Shrikhand: Shrikhand is a sweet dessert made from strained yogurt and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and other spices. It is often served with puri or chapati during Gudi Padwa celebrations.

 

Poori Bhaji: Poori Bhaji is a classic breakfast dish in Maharashtra, and is often served on special occasions like Gudi Padwa. Poori is deep-fried bread made with wheat flour, and is served with a spicy potato curry.

 

Kheer: Kheer is a creamy rice pudding that is made with milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is a popular dessert in India and is often served during festive occasions like Gudi Padwa.

 

Aamras: Aamras is a sweet mango pulp that is often served as a dessert during Gudi Padwa. It is made by blending ripe mangoes with sugar and milk to create a smooth, creamy texture.

 

In addition to these dishes, many people also prepare special thalis (platters) that include a variety of sweet and savory dishes, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Overall, Gudi Padwa is a time for celebrating new beginnings and sharing joy and happiness with loved ones, and food plays an important role in these festivities.

 

In which states of India is Gudi Padwa celebrated?

Gudi Padwa is a traditional Hindu festival that is primarily celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is typically observed in the month of March or April. However, Gudi Padwa is also celebrated in some other parts of India, albeit with different names and customs.

Here are some of the states in India where Gudi Padwa is celebrated

Maharashtra: Gudi Padwa is a major festival in Maharashtra and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare. People decorate their homes with rangolis, hoist a gudi (a special flag) outside their homes, and prepare special dishes to share with family and friends.

 

Goa: In Goa, Gudi Padwa is known as Samvatsar Padvo and is celebrated with similar customs and traditions as in Maharashtra. People make special sweets like puran poli and offer prayers to Lord Brahma.

Karnataka: In Karnataka, Gudi Padwa is celebrated as Yugadi, which means "the beginning of a new era". People decorate their homes with mango leaves and prepare special dishes like holige (a sweet flatbread) and obbattu (a sweet stuffed pancake).

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: In these states, Gudi Padwa is celebrated as Ugadi, which is similar to Yugadi in Karnataka. People prepare special dishes like pulihora (tamarind rice) and bobbatlu (a sweet stuffed pancake).

Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, Gudi Padwa is celebrated as Puthandu and marks the beginning of the Tamil New Year. People prepare special dishes like maanga pachadi (a sweet and sour mango relish) and offer prayers to Lord Brahma.

 

Predictions for all zodiac signs on Gudi Padwa

Aries-: You will feel energized and optimistic on Gudi Padwa. This is a great time to set new goals and pursue new projects. You may receive recognition for your hard work and achievements.

 

Taurus -This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of stability and security in your life. It's a good time to focus on your home and family, and to make plans for the future. You may receive some unexpected news or invitations.

 

Gemini - You may feel a burst of creativity and inspiration on Gudi Padwa. This is a good time to express yourself through art, writing, or music. You may also have some important conversations with loved ones.

 

Cancer -This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of emotional depth and introspection. You may be more inclined to spend time alone or to reflect on your relationships and personal goals. It's a good time to work on self-improvement.

 

Leo -You may feel a sense of enthusiasm and confidence on Gudi Padwa. This is a great time to pursue your passions and take risks. You may also receive some good news or opportunities.

 

Virgo - This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of harmony and balance in your life. It's a good time to focus on your health and well-being, and to make plans for the future. You may also receive some financial benefits.

 

Libra - You may feel a sense of social connection and harmony on Gudi Padwa. This is a good time to spend time with friends and family, and to work on your relationships. You may also receive some unexpected invitations or opportunities.

 

Scorpio - This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of personal power and transformation. It's a good time to focus on your goals and ambitions, and to let go of anything that no longer serves you. You may also receive some important insights or revelations.

 

Sagittarius - You may feel a sense of adventure and exploration on Gudi Padwa. This is a great time to try new things and to broaden your horizons. You may also receive some exciting news or opportunities.

 

Capricorn-This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of practicality and discipline. It's a good time to focus on your career and financial goals, and to work hard to achieve them. You may also receive some recognition or rewards for your efforts.

 

Aquarius - You may feel a sense of independence and innovation on Gudi Padwa. This is a good time to pursue your unique ideas and to think outside the box. You may also receive some unexpected support or recognition.

 

Pisces - This Gudi Padwa, you may feel a sense of intuition and compassion. It's a good time to focus on your spiritual growth and to connect with your inner self. You may also receive some guidance or support from a mentor or teacher.

 

Dos.

Spread a clean white cloth on the newly constructed chowki or sand altar after taking the auspicious Sankalp of the Puja. Make an Ashtadal lotus with turmeric saffron-colored on it and install the Suvarnamurti of Brahmaji on it.

After worshiping Ganeshambika, worship Brahmaji with the mantra 'Om Brahmane Namah' and perform Shodashopchar.

Offer humble prayers to Brahmaji for the destruction of the eternal obstacles and for the welfare of the year to be auspicious, saying 'Bhagavansattvaprasaden Varsha Kshemmihastu Mein. Samvatsaropasarga Me Vilayam Yantavasheshatah.'

After worshiping, feed the Brahmins with various fine and sattvic substances before eating.

Listen to the king of that year, the minister, the chief of the army, etc., and the year's result from the new calendar.

Donate Pachang according to potential and establish the piao.

Wear new cloth and decorate the house with dhwaj, pataka, Vandanvar, etc. on this day.

On Gudi Padwa day, make a powder of neem leaves and flowers, and add black pepper, salt, heing, cumin, sugar candy, and ajwain to it before eating. It promotes a healthy life and does not cause blood disorders.

On this day, perform Ghat sthapana and Tilak fast for Navratri. Worship a river, lake, or house and make a statue of Samvatsar and worship him with mantras named 'Chaitraya Namah,' 'Vasanthaya Namah' etc. After this, perform Puja.

To get the fruits of auspicious wishes, worship mother Jagadamba from the heart after observing the fast on Navami.

 

Don'ts

Do not consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol on this auspicious day.

Avoid using foul language or getting into arguments with anyone as it is believed to bring bad luck.

Do not make any major financial decisions or sign any contracts on Gudi Padwa, as it is considered inauspicious.

Do not lend or borrow money on this day, as it is believed to create financial problems in the future.

Avoid cutting nails or hair on this day, as it is believed to bring bad luck and negative energy.