Gudi Padwa is a spring festival which is celebrated mostly in Maharashtra and Goa to mark the beginning of the New Year.This year, Gudi Padwa falls on 25 March. One of the vibrant festivals in the country, Gudi Padwa usually falls on the first day of Chaitra under Shukla Pratipada.As per religious beliefs; hoisting Gudi brings wealth and fortune. Gudi Padwa gets its name from two words – ‘gudi’, meaning flag or emblem of Lord Brahma and ‘padwa’ means the first day of the phase of the moon.
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Brahma had created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa. It is also said that on this day Brahma introduced days, weeks, months and years.
During this festival, people decorate their houses with lights, flowers and rangolis on this day. Apart from this, a Gudi is installed at the main entrance of the house or on one of the windows. The Gudi is made using a wooden stick, a garland made of sugar candy, neem leaves, a kalash (pot) and a piece of clean cloth.People prepare dishes like sakkar bhaat (sweet rice), shrikhand and puran poli. A special dish is also made on this day using neem leaves and jaggery.
However, this year due to coronavirus, the government has asked people to stay indoors. And people have to celebrate the festival by staying in their houses and maintain social distancing.
