Gudhi Padwa
On the 27th of March this year, which is also the first day of the Chaitra month, we celebrate Gudhi Padwa. It is the same day on which great king Shalivahana defeated Shakas in battle. Gudi Padwa falls on the first day of Marathi Calendar. This festival is supposed to mark the beginning of Vasant Hritu (spring season) and is considered the harbinger of the pleasant season. According to the Gregorian calendar this would fall in the interim of March and April. The Sindhi festival of Cheti Chand is also celebrated on this day.
The mythological significance is that according to the Brahma Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth. Gudhi Padwa is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Many legends state that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Rama after his return to Ayodhya from 14 years of exile.
This is one of the 3-and-a-half days in the Indian lunar calendar called "Sade-Teen Muhurt" i.e. periods during which every moment is considered auspicious for the purpose of marriage, celebration, pledge and venture.
Let us dissect the nomenclature to understand the significance of the day. The Gudhi, Brahma’s flag (Brahmadhvaj) is hoisted in every house as a symbolic representation of Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying the Rakshasha Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the Gudhi (flag). Gudhi is also a symbol of victory of Shaliavahana over Shakas, which people hoisted when he returned to Paithan. Maharashtrians see the Gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chattrpati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudhi is also considered a charm to ward off evil and invite prosperity & good luck into the house.
The term ‘Padwa’ is derived from Pratipada, the first day of a lunar month or the first day after Amavasya, the No-Moon day Being the first day of the first month of a year, Gudhi Padwa is the New Year's day for Maharashtrians. As India was primarily agrarian in the past, celebrations and festivals were often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one harvest and the beginning of a new one, which for an agricultural community signifies the beginning of a New Year. In the case of Gudhi Padwa, it is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season.
Soft Times wishes our readership a Happy Gudhi Padwa. May this day bring you loads of luck & good times in the year ahead and may it put the ‘Spring’ back in your step…!
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