Gudi Padwa, also known as Padwa, is celebrated by people across the state of Maharashtra as the Marathi New Year. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the lunar Hindu calendar. The word padwa is derived from the Prakrit words paddava/paddova, which denotes the first day of the bright phase of the moon, also called pratipada in Sanskrit.
In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as Ugadi, while Sindhis celebrate is as Cheti Chand.
The women of the house wake up earlier than the men and will create many-hued rangolis in the front yard or their doorway -- a colourful pattern made from powdered rice, vermillion and turmeric. In modern times, people also make use of flowers and candles to make the rangoli more attractive. The rangoli is meant to ward off negative energies and bring in good luck.
Diwali or Dusshera or any other Indian festival is incomplete without flowers. Likewise, on Gudi Padwa too, colourful phool are offered to Lord Brahma, while the entrance of the house is festooned with brightly-coloured flowers. Flowers signify purity. And the fragrance is meant to spread positive energy.
For the occasion, a new kalash or pot of silver, copper or bronze, covered in an auspicious red, yellow or saffron piece of cloth, is hoisted upside down at the entrance of homes. This is called the Gudi. The Gudi has to be positioned in such a way that it is visible from far and doesn’t miss the eye. It's a sign of prosperity and good things to come.
After hoisting the Gudi, everyone attentively listens to the almanac, which outlines the events of the coming year. It is believed that hearing the almanac is highly auspicious and grants merits equivalent to taking a sacred dip in the holy river Ganga.
Traditionally, Maharashtrian women wear a kashta or a nauvari -- a nine-yard saree tucked in at the back, while the men are dressed in a kurta-pyjama and sport a saffron or red turban.
Unlike most Indian festivals, where prasad or religious food offering comprises something 100 per cent sweet, Gudi Padwa is one of the few festivals where people are treated to a unique preparation made from neem and jaggery.
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