Significance of Gudi Padwa festival, celebration and foods eaten

Gudi Padwa, also called Samvatsar Padvo will fall on April 13 this year. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar and is also the first day of the new year for the people of Maharashtra and the Konkan region. Read on to know the significance, history, celebrations and popular food items prepared on Gudi Padwa.

The name Gudi Padwa is made using two words- ‘Gudi’, which means flag or emblem of Lord Brahma and ‘Padwa’ which means the first day of the phase of the moon. Rabi crops are reaped after this festival as it also signifies the arrival of the spring season.

As per Hindu mythology, it is said that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. It is also said that Lord Brahma further created the concept of days, weeks, months and years on the day of Gudi Padwa. The festival is called Ugadi in South India and is considered to be the first day of the creation of the universe. This is why Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day.

Gudi Padwa also symbolizes Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. The festival commemorates the celebrations done for Lord Rama after his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.

A Gudi is a flag made using a long bamboo shoot and a bright colourful silk scarf. The bamboo is covered with this scarf and decorated with neem leaves, mango leaves and a garland of flowers. This bamboo shoot is then covered with an inverted vessel made of silver/copper and this signifies the victory of good over evil. It is said that this ritual saves households from all types of evils and ward off negative energies. On the day of this festival, people start their day with an oil bath, after which they wear new clothes, decorate their homes by making rangolis. Prepare the Gudi and then do the pooja. Once the pooja is done, the prasad is distributed to everyone.

There are a number of food items that are made to celebrate the festival of Gudi Padwa.

Popular main dishes you can prepare for the festival are Kothimbir Vadi, Batata Vada, Sabudana Vada, Chakli, Poori Bhaji, Batata Bhaji and Masala Bhaat.

Some delightful desserts which you can prepare for Gudi Padwa are Puran Poli, Kaju Modak, Coconut Laddoo, Shrikhand, Kesari Bhaat, Sweet Shakarpare, Banana Sheera and Basundi.