About Gudi Padwa:

Gudi Padwa is also known as Ugadi or Yugadi in South India which is celebrated to welcome spring season and considered as a  New Year for most Soth Indians. The first day of the Chaitra month is observed as Gudi Padwa by the Hindus. It is the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is also known as the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Alternatively, it marks the beginning of the season of spring or fruitfulness. The day is observed by different names across India. Rituals and other activities commence right from the sunrise and are carried out throughout the day.

Significance Of Gudi Padwa:

On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Lord Brahma is worshipped, who is known as the creator of the universe. It is believed that he created the universe from chaos on this auspicious day. Gudi Padwa celebrates the beginning of the traditional Hindu year. It is the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra with great pomp. The Marathi name for the festival is Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. This day also marks the descent of the spring season. The colourful festival is celebrated in most parts of the country with great zeal and show. The day ends with the puja of Lord Vishnu.

Legend:

Gudi Padwa marks a historical event, the victory of the Sakas over the Huns. According to the Shalivahan calendar, King Shalivahan had defeated the Huns on this day. The most important significance of the Gudi Padwa is the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma. This has been mentioned in the Brahma Purana. The Satyayug commenced from this day after the creation of the universe.

Rituals and Celebrations:

The celebrations start before sunrise when devotees take the sacred bath after applying oil to the body. The main entrance of the house is decorated with red flowers and mango leaves. Before hoisting the Gudi, Lord Brahma is worshipped. After hoisting Gudi, Lord Vishnu is invoked and requested to bless his devotees with protection and prosperity. It is believed that on the day of Gudi Padwa, Lord Rama, the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with Sita and brother Lakshman, after slaying the demon king Ravana. Gudi Padwa is therefore also a celebration of prosperity and justice. The Gudi is hoisted on this day to commemorate the victories of Shivaji Maharaj. Hence, it is considered as the symbol of victory. Gudi is adorned with mango leaves, a yellow silk cloth and a garland along with red flowers. Rangolis are also made around the Gudi.

Gudi Padwa is celebrated in different forms in various parts of the country. In the southern parts of India, it is celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi. Devotees pray to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the moment of twilight is very auspicious. Devotees try to absorb the strength and vitality of the sun in its purest form to ensure the arousal of the consciousness of the self. Gudi Padwa is an observation of raising oneself to a spiritual plane and welcoming the new era with enthusiasm