Gudi Padva

Significance of Gudi Padwa

There are several ways of commencing a New Year. According to the Christian calendar, 1st January marks the beginning of the year. The financial year begins from 1st April, the Hindu New Year from the first day (Pratipada) of the month of Chaitra from the Hindu lunar calendar, the commercial year from the first day of the Hindu lunar month of ‘Kartik’, the solar (soura) year, the lunar (chandra) year, the luni-solar year and so on. In all these, the year comprises of twelve months. Who first proclaimed that a year should consist of twelve months and how did the world come to accept it ? The foremost exponent of this concept is undoubtedly the Vedas, the most ancient literary texts. The Vedas say, ‘A year consists of twelve months’. It is because they say so that the world has accepted it. Out of all these days of beginning a year the most ideal one is the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu lunar calendar. There is no explanation as to why the 1st of January is the beginning of the New Year. Someone conceived that it should be so and thus it began. Contrary to this, there are natural, historical and spiritual reasons to mark the commencement of the year on the first day of the month of Chaitra

Importance of Gudi Padwa 

When the worship of Lord Brahma is complete, the Gudi is hoisted and Lord Vishnu is invoked to shower his blessings upon the worshipper and his family. The day is a significant one and there are a number of reasons behind it. It is said that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana and his allies on this day and the people of Ayodhya celebrated it as the beginning of a new era. History also states that the Gudi is hoisted on this particular day to commemorate the number of victories of Shivaji Maharaj. Thus, considered as the symbol of victory or a victory flag, the Gudi is adorned with mango leaves, a yellow silk cloth and a garland adornment along with red flowers as these things are considered auspicious. Rangolis are also made around the Gudi and at the entrance of houses.

History also has it that the Shakas defeated the Huns on this particular day. Hence, this day is also the first day of the Shalivahan calendar as this was the day king Shalivahan vanquished the Hun dynasty. The most important event though which makes this day so special is that, according to the Brahma Puran, this is the day when Lord Brahma created the universe and Satyug began. The day is also considered auspicious because the divine consciousness which emanates during the early sunrise, if absorbed, lasts longer.

Gudi Padva in Mumbai

If we consider list of festivals that are celebrated in Mumbai, then we can definitely say that Mumbai has a multicultural nature. Gaudi Padva is one such festival. Gudi Padva has a special importance in Maharashtrian families.Gudi Padva marks the beginning of New Year for the Maharashtrians. It is a unique festival, which is held in March. This festival is dedicated to potter’s son Sahalivan. But he defeated the Gupta Dynasty. It also marks beginning of Hindu Solar year. On this festival Marathi homes erect “Gudisâ€�. A ‘Gudi’ is nothing but a long stick that is covered with silk cloth. A silver utensil is put over the cloth. Localities that are dominated by Maharahtrians organize grand processions, also known as “ Shobhayatrasâ€�. 

This festival celebrates New Year in a traditional style.Advice of astrologers is also sought on this day. Gudi Padva is regarded as the most auspicious day in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.On this day wife applies Tilak on Husband’s forehead. Then she performs his ‘Aarti’. She then prays for long life of her husband. The husband shows his gratitude by giving a gift to his wife. Gudi Padwa symbolizes devotion and respect between wife and husband. On the day of Gudi Padva people request their newly married daughters to come home with their husbands. The new couple is then given special meals There are many legends behind this festival. It is believed that the world was created by Lord Brahma.www.yahoo.com

Gudi Padva

Significance of Gudi Padwa

There are several ways of commencing a New Year. According to the Christian calendar, 1st January marks the beginning of the year. The financial year begins from 1st April, the Hindu New Year from the first day (Pratipada) of the month of Chaitra from the Hindu lunar calendar, the commercial year from the first day of the Hindu lunar month of ‘Kartik’, the solar (soura) year, the lunar (chandra) year, the luni-solar year and so on. In all these, the year comprises of twelve months. Who first proclaimed that a year should consist of twelve months and how did the world come to accept it ? The foremost exponent of this concept is undoubtedly the Vedas, the most ancient literary texts. The Vedas say, ‘A year consists of twelve months’. It is because they say so that the world has accepted it. Out of all these days of beginning a year the most ideal one is the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu lunar calendar. There is no explanation as to why the 1st of January is the beginning of the New Year. Someone conceived that it should be so and thus it began. Contrary to this, there are natural, historical and spiritual reasons to mark the commencement of the year on the first day of the month of Chaitra

Importance of Gudi Padwa 

When the worship of Lord Brahma is complete, the Gudi is hoisted and Lord Vishnu is invoked to shower his blessings upon the worshipper and his family. The day is a significant one and there are a number of reasons behind it. It is said that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana and his allies on this day and the people of Ayodhya celebrated it as the beginning of a new era. History also states that the Gudi is hoisted on this particular day to commemorate the number of victories of Shivaji Maharaj. Thus, considered as the symbol of victory or a victory flag, the Gudi is adorned with mango leaves, a yellow silk cloth and a garland adornment along with red flowers as these things are considered auspicious. Rangolis are also made around the Gudi and at the entrance of houses.

History also has it that the Shakas defeated the Huns on this particular day. Hence, this day is also the first day of the Shalivahan calendar as this was the day king Shalivahan vanquished the Hun dynasty. The most important event though which makes this day so special is that, according to the Brahma Puran, this is the day when Lord Brahma created the universe and Satyug began. The day is also considered auspicious because the divine consciousness which emanates during the early sunrise, if absorbed, lasts longer.

Gudi Padva in Mumbai

If we consider list of festivals that are celebrated in Mumbai, then we can definitely say that Mumbai has a multicultural nature. Gaudi Padva is one such festival. Gudi Padva has a special importance in Maharashtrian families.Gudi Padva marks the beginning of New Year for the Maharashtrians. It is a unique festival, which is held in March. This festival is dedicated to potter’s son Sahalivan. But he defeated the Gupta Dynasty. It also marks beginning of Hindu Solar year. On this festival Marathi homes erect “Gudisâ€�. A ‘Gudi’ is nothing but a long stick that is covered with silk cloth. A silver utensil is put over the cloth. Localities that are dominated by Maharahtrians organize grand processions, also known as “ Shobhayatrasâ€�. 

This festival celebrates New Year in a traditional style.Advice of astrologers is also sought on this day. Gudi Padva is regarded as the most auspicious day in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.On this day wife applies Tilak on Husband’s forehead. Then she performs his ‘Aarti’. She then prays for long life of her husband. The husband shows his gratitude by giving a gift to his wife. Gudi Padwa symbolizes devotion and respect between wife and husband. On the day of Gudi Padva people request their newly married daughters to come home with their husbands. The new couple is then given special meals There are many legends behind this festival. It is believed that the world was created by Lord Brahma.