Gudi Padwa is considered to be the beginning of Hindu New Year. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month and this year Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 30 March 2025, Sunday. Chaitri Navratri is also starting from this day, so this day is considered very auspicious.
On this day there is a tradition of hoisting Gudi (Vijay flag) in the houses. It is believed that doing so brings happiness and prosperity in life and removes negativity. Let us know about the legend related to Gudi Padwa.
Importance of Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa not only symbolizes the beginning of the new year, but this day is also associated with many historical and religious events. Gudi Padwa is also known as Ugadi. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Brahma composed the world on this day. Therefore, special worship of Lord Brahma and Vishnu is done on this day. According to religious beliefs, worshiping Lord Brahma and Vishnu on this day gives special benefits to people and all the troubles of life are removed.
Mythology related to Gudi Padwa
A very famous story related to Gudi Padwa is related to the Ramayana period. According to the legend, in the Treta Yuga, a kingdom called Kishkindha ruled the king named Bali, who was harassing his brother Sugriva. When Lord Rama was going to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana, she met Sugriva. Sugriva told Shri Rama his trouble and sought help. After killing Bali, Shri Ram brought justice to Sugriva and brought back his lost kingdom. This incident took place on Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, hence this day is celebrated as Victory Day. Hindu New Year also starts from this day.
How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
On the day of Gudi Padwa, people clean their homes and decorate them. Rangoli is made by tying mango and Asopal leaves on the door. A long bamboo is applied in the courtyard of the house, on which dudia is made by tying a yellow or red silk cloth. Neem leaves, flowers and an inverted urn are also placed on it. It is considered a victory flag and is hoisted in front of the houses.
On this day Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Goddess Durga are specially worshiped. Chant the mantras of Sundarakand, Ramraksha Sath and Goddess Bhagwati. Apart from this, worship of Sun God is also considered important on this day. There is also a tradition of eating neem leaves with jaggery and black pepper on Gudi Padwa. By doing this, the body’s ability to fight against diseases increases and health is good.
Traditional food and cooking
Many types of traditional dishes are prepared on Gudi Padwa. In Maharashtra, Puranpoli, Srikhand and sweet rice (khand-rice) are made on this day. Ugadi Pachadi is made in South India and its taste is sweet, sour, spicy and bitter.
