Gudi Padwa , Indian New Year Festival - Informative & researched article on Gudi Padwa , Indian New Year Festival
  Indianetzone: Largest Free Encyclopedia of India with thousand of articles Indian Festivals


in  
Art & Culture | Entertainment | Health | Reference | Sports | Society | Travel
Forum  | Free E-magazine
Indian Festivals : Indian New Year Festivals l Indian Festivals l Indian Temple Festivals l Indian Religious Festivals l Indian National Festivals l Indian Regional Festivals l Indian State Festivals l Indian Fairs or Melas l Indian Hindu Customary Ceremonies l Shivaratri l Indian Customs and Rituals
Home > Art & Culture > Indian Festivals > Indian New Year Festivals > Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa , Indian New Year Festival
One of the four most auspicious days in the year, a day of great festivity and rejoicing.

In Maharashtra, the New Year is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. It is a day of great festivity and rejoicing and a festival that heralds the advent of spring. Gudi Padwa is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the world on this day and so he is worshipped specially at this time.

Gudi PadwaPeople prepare for the New Year by cleaning and washing their houses and buying new clothes. People hang "gudis" on their windows on this day to celebrate Mother Nature`s bounty. A "gudi" is a decorated pole with a silk cloth, mango leaves, and marigolds. A brass or a silver vessel is placed on it. The gudi is marked with a swastika. It is raised to announce victory and joy. This "gudi" is erected at sunrise and removed at sunset. People visit the temples to listen to the yearly calendar- `Panchangasravanam` as priests make predictions for the coming year. In Maharashtra, it is reminiscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their successful expeditions of war. They honour their favourite leader, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The prasad of Gudi Padwa are the bitter leaves of the neem tree with jaggery. There are special foods prepared for this festival. In Maharastra, shrikhand -a fragrant yogurt dessert, with poori-a fried puffy bread is prepared. Greetings and sweets are exchanged. It has become a custom to hold Kavi Sammelans on this day.

(Last Updated on : 20/12/2008)
  More Articles in Indian New Year Festivals
 
Gudi Padwa Rosh Hashanah Varushapirappu
Yugadi Cheti Chand  
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Festivals
  • Makar Sankranti
    Makar Sankranti is one of the most propitious occasions of India. It is celebrated with high enthusiasm and positive energy in several parts all over the country. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of Sun into the Capricorn or Makar zodiac sign.
  •  
  • Gangasagar Mela
    Gangasagar Mela is a famous pilgrim destination among people. It is located south of Kolkata, and it is second largest fair after Kumbha Mela.
  •  
     
  • Indian Independence Day
    Indian Independence Day celebrates the freedom of the nation from British rule. It is celebrated on the 15th August every year all over the country.
  •  
  • Arubathimoovar Festival
    Arubathimoovar festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu between March and April. It is a tribute to the 63 saints of Lord Shiva.
  •  
  • Kanthuri Festival
    Kanthuri Festival is colourful event that is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated by people of all religions.
  •  
    E-mail this Article | Post a Comment
    RSS Feeds
    Forum
    Forum on Indian Festivals

    Free E-magazine
    Subscribe to Free
    E-Magazine on Indian Crafts
     
     
    Gudi Padwa , Indian New Year Festival - Informative & researched article on Gudi Padwa , Indian New Year Festival
    Sitemap
    Contact Us   |   RSS Feeds
    Copyright © 2008 Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce the contents in whole or in part in any form or medium without the express written permission of Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.