Gudi Padwa Festival

Gudi Padwa is the Marathi festival, which is celebrated because Hindu New Year (known as “Samvatsara” in Sanskrit) begins from this day. As per the Panchang, Nav Samvatsar begins from the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Chaitra month.

Gudipadwa Muhurat

The Samvatsara begins on the day when Pratipada (first day of a fortnight; also known as “Padva”) is prevailing during the sunrise.
If Pratipada is prevailing on the sunrises of 2 days, the first day is considered for the celebration.
If Pratipada is not prevailing during the sunrise of any day, Nav Varsh will be celebrated on the day when Pratipada is beginning and ending.

In case of Adhik Maas (extra month added after every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 Ghatis), below given rules will be followed:

If it is Chaitra Adhik Maas (the extra month), Nav Samvatsara will begin from its Pratipada only. It is because Adhik Maas is the part of its original month only. Hence, along with the original Chaitra month, Adhika Chaitra is also considered the part of the New Year.

History

Description of Holi can be found since ancient times. In Hampi, capital of Vijayanagara kingdom, a 16th century caricature of this festival had been found. Similarly, a 300 BC inscription describing Holi had been found at Ramgarh near Vindhya hills.

When To Perform Gudi Padwa Rituals

Nav Varsh Phal Shravan (listening to the New Year's horoscope)
Taila Abhyang (oil bath)
Nimba Patra Prashan (eating Neem leaves)
Dhwajaropan (flag hoisting)
Navratrarambh (beginning of Chaitra Navratri)
Ghatsthapana (establishing Kalash/holy stoup for Navratri Puja)

But, Nava Varsha Naamgrahan (naming ceremony of the New Year) during Sankalp must be done in Adhik Chaitra Shukla Pratipada only. The name of this Samvatsara is Nala 2080. It is also the Shri Shalivahan Shak 1945 and the name of this Samvat is Shobhakruth.

King of Nav Samvatsara (Varshesh)

Lord (astrological planet) of the first day of the New Year is considered as the Lord of the year. In 2023, the Hindu Nav Varsh day is Wednesday. Hence, lord of the Hindu New Year 2023 is mercury.

Guddi Padwa Mantras

In the morning, after doing the daily routine works like cleaning, bathing, etc., Gudi is hoisted.

- People clean their houses; and in villages, houses are plastered with fresh cow-dung.
- It is mentioned in the Shastras that Taila Abhyang must be done during the Arunodaya Kaal on this day.
- Gudi must be worshiped just after the sunrise. It must not be delayed.
Beautiful Rangoli designs are also made with bright colors and houses are decorated with fresh flowers.
People dress up in new, beautiful clothes. Usually, Marathi women adorn themselves in Kastha or Nauvari (9-yard Saree tucked at the back) and men wear Kurta Pajama along with a turban, which is mostly saffron or red.
Families gather and greet the New Year to everyone.
New Year's horoscope must also be heard on this day.
Traditionally, the celebration begins after having the sweetened Neem leaves as Prasad. Usually, a paste is made with Neem leaves, jaggery, tamarind, etc. It is believed that this paste purifies the blood and increases immunity. Taste of this paste signifies the course of life as sweet, sour, and bitter.
Delicacies are cooked like Shrikhand, Puran Poli, Kheer (sweet porridge kind of dessert usually made with sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, rice flour, etc. by Marathis), and Sanna.
Later in the evening, Lezim is performed by the people.

How To Raise Gudi

The area must be cleaned properly where the Gudi will be placed.
A Swastika should be made on the ground below the Gudi.

About Gudhi Padwa

Gudipadva has several names as per the different regions .

Samvatsar Padvo is celebrated among Konkanis of Goa and Kerala.
Rest of the Konkani diaspora in Karnataka know it as Yugadi.
People from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Ugadi.
Kashmiris celebrate it as Navreh.
Sajibu Nongma Pānba or Meetei Cheiraoba is celebrated in Manipur.
Chaitra Navratri begins from this day for North Indians.

Significance Of The Gudi

Many beliefs are associated with Gudhi Padva. Some of them are mentioned below:

People hoisted Gudi in history when their King Shalivahana defeated Sakas and came back to Paithan, as it is considered as the symbol of victory.
Some people also hoist Gudi to commemorate the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
As it is believed by some that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, Gudi is also believed to be the Brahma Dhwaj (Lord Brahma's flag). Some people also consider it as Indra Dhwaj (flag of Lord Indra). Hence, for some, it is also the beginning of the spring season.
Some people also hoist Gudi as the symbol of the Lord Rama's return to the Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Usually, it is believed that hoisting Gudi brings prosperity in life.
Gudi is also known as Dharma Dhwaj to many and its each part has a meaning. The inverted pot is considered as the head and stick is considered to be spine (as bamboo has the vertebrae, just like human spine).
For farmers, Gudhipadva is celebrated as the end of Rabi crop season and the beginning of the new harvest season. They plough their fields on this day to ensure a good harvest throughout the year.
Gudipadava is one of the most auspicious Sadhe Teen Muhurats (3 and a half most auspicious days) of Hindus. These Sade Teen Muhurats are Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padawa), Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya (Akshay Tritya), Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Dussehra), and half Muhurat is considered on Kartik Shukla Pratipada (Diwali). Being quite auspicious, many people start new ventures and investments on this day.