Gudi Padwa brings festive cheer to Marathi homes

Lucknow: Maharashtrian community celebrated Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year festival with fervour at home on Thursday, hoisting ‘gudi', a bamboo pole decorated with silk cloth, neem leaves and a pot on the top, at the entrance of their houses and prayed to Lord Surya for health and prosperity.Maharashtrian homes across the city came alive with colour, tradition and festivity. From early morning rituals to festive meals, families enjoyed the festival that celebrates harvest of new crops. Women wore green ‘nauvari' sarees while men donned kurta-pyjamas and pheta (turban).Aroma of festive delicacies such as puran poli, shrikhand and batata bhaji wafted from kitchens. Many families exchanged sweets and visited relatives."The gudi is not just a ritual, it's a reminder of hope and new beginnings," said homemaker Shobha Patil, 42. "We woke up early, performed puja and offered ‘bhog' of neem and jaggery as part of the tradition," she added.In several housing complexes, small cultural gatherings and community aartis were organised, reviving a sense of togetherness. "Amid busy routines, Gudi Padwa gives us chance to reconnect with our roots and spend quality time with family," said Marathi Community president, Umesh Patil.