With the arrival of spring and the start of the Hindu month Chaitra, arrives the most auspicious festival Gudi Padwa.  As per the Hindu lunar calendar this day is the ‘Chaitra Shukla Pratipada’. Gudi Padwa is the Maharastrian New Year that is the New Year for the natives of the Indian state ‘Maharashtra’. Further south in the state of Karnataka the same day is celebrated as ‘Ugadi’.

The word Padwa comes from the Prakrit word Paddav. It means the first day of the bright phase of the moon called Pratipada in Sanskrit. Being an agrarian country most of the Indian festivals are associated with seasons and farming. Hence this festival marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the start of a new cycle.

The festival is celebrated by tying a traditional Maharashtrian bright coloured cloth adorned with brocade to the tip of a long bamboo along with sugar crystals, neem leaves, mango leaves and a garland. On this an inverted silver or copper pot is placed and adorned with religious haldi-kumkum. The entire object is called gudi, and is hoisted outside the house, either in the window, terrace or any high place for everyone to see. The gudhi represents victory and is believed to ward off evil and bring prosperity and good luck.

The festival celebrations are said to be a result of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravan and his return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.

Families meet up and share treats together. The most popular Gudi Padwa dishes are sweet shrikhand and puri, puranpoli or sweet kheer. Small children and women of the house also receive some special gifts or new clothes.

HKS Designer and Consultant International Company Ltd wishes a ‘Shubh Gudi Padwa’ to all. May this New Year bring prosperity and happiness in every household.