Pune: Citizens prep to welcome Padwa & Bhaubeej today

PUNE: Plans to bring in the Hindu new year on Monday include sumptuous food and family get-togethers. After traditional Diwali celebrations with the immediate family, Punekars are gearing up to welcome the new year.
Padwa is the beginning of the Kartik Maas (month) as per the Hindu calendar. “It is also the beginning of the new year. People often wake up early in the morning and seek blessings from elder members of the family.Several families also worship books on the day to kick start the new year with new account books,” said Amol Mulay, a city-based priest.
Speaking about the celebrations at her home, city-based homemaker Jyoti Shinde said, “Our Padwa or new year custom is fixed. We wake up early in the morning and seek blessings from our elders. The entire family would then go to the temple to offer prayers. This year, we will offer prayers at home. This will be followed by a family lunch of a special meal.”
According to Pandit Mulay, Bhaubeej will also be celebrated on Monday this year. “Padwa and Bhaubeej are on the same day this year. Bhaubeej tithi will set in on Monday evening.” he stated.
City-based working professional Sayali Jadhav said, “While the family will enjoy a meal together for Padwa in the morning, we will have another delicious meal in the evening as my brother will come to my house to celebrate Bhaubeej. The customary applying of tika and ‘ovalna’ will be done. I have got him a gift hamper of his favourite items.”