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Gudi Padwa, which falls on April 9th 2024, marks the Hindu New Year

It involves rituals, prayers, and decorating houses with rangolis & lights

Gudi Padwa is a time to wish prosperity, happiness and unity

Gudi Padwa is one of the most important Hindu festivals that marks the beginning of the new year. It is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra according to the lunar calendar. The day generally falls between March and April. This year, Gudi Padwa falls on 9th April 2024. In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, another name for Gudi Padwa is the Ugadi festival. The word ‘Gudi’ symbolises the flag, while Padwa or padava is a Sanskrit word which means the first day of a new Moon phase. The Pratipada Tithi begins at 11:50 PM on April 8th 2024 and ends at 08:30 PM on April 9th 2024.

Significance of Gudi Padwa

There are many stories behind the celebration of Gudi Padwa. This festival signifies the reaping of Rabi crops. Moreover, it is the time when you find delicious mangoes all over the market. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the entire universe on this day. Many believe that Lord Vishnu took the Matsya incarnation or the form of the fish on this day to save the Earth from destruction.

Additionally, people celebrate Gudi Padwa as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fighting and winning the battle with the evil Ravana. In Maharashtra, locals celebrate Gudi Padwa by honouring Shivaji Maharaj and his victory over the Mughals.

Gudi Padwa

The day of Gudi Padwa begins with a bath. People wear new clothes and offer prayers to gods and goddesses. People decorate their houses with rangolis, flowers, garlands, earthen lamps, and lights and make the Gudi flag. It is a bamboo stick decorated with a colourful silk-like piece of cloth. Neem leaves and mango flowers are attached to them. After this, a bronze or copper kalash caps the stick, signifying prosperity. As per religious beliefs, hoisting a Gudi brings wealth and fortune.

On this auspicious day, people pray for the well-being of their family and friends. They pray for a world free of all sufferings in society. Furthermore, many communities also host a Gudi in a common area and carry it as a group to a nearby temple of the God Shiva.

Gudi Padwa’s Puja Vidhi

Wake up before sunrise and take a bath
Observe fast
Clean the house thoroughly
Host a Gudi Padwa flag and worship it for 5 minutes after sunrise
Prepare a rangoli at the entrance of the Pooja room
Place the Gudi on the right side of the main door
Decorate the Gudi stick with red flowers, silk clothes, and mango tree leaves on the Gudi
Make a swastika with turmeric and vermilion
Distribute food and clothes to the less-privileged

How To Make The Gudi?

The Gudi symbolises a tool against negative vibes and ushers in prosperity, good fortune, good health and abundant energy. Given below is the proper way to make the Gudi:

Keep a bamboo stick of medium length ready
Tie a bright green or yellow cloth that has a golden border at the end of the stick
Tie mango and neem leaves around the cloth
Add a yellow or orange marigold flower garland along with mishri (‘Sakar Gathi’) around the cloth
Keep an inverted Silver or Copper Kalash (pot) at the top of the stick. Draw the sacred Swastik symbol with Kumkum on it
Place the Gudi (in a tilted position) on the right side of the main entrance
Hoist the Gudi, considering it as the flag of Brahma and raise it to such a height that it is visible to all from near and far

Facts About Gudi Padwa Festival

During Gudi Padwa, even the streets are decorated with rangoli, as it is a significant aspect of the festival.
Processions throng the streets of Maharashtra with flags in their hands and sing songs about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The senior-most family member hoist the Gudi, and women wear Maharashtrian Nauvari saree on Gudi Padwa.
People buy gold, new houses, or vehicles on this auspicious day. The day is also auspicious for the farmers to sow seeds.

Gudi Padwa 2024 Wishes For Family & Friends

May you be bestowed with Happiness, Health, and Wealth on this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa. Happy Gudi Padwa from us to you and your family!
On this pious festival of Gudi Padwa, may all your enemies become your friends, the darkness of negativity fade away from your life, and you discover a new path full of opportunities. Wishing you a very Happy Gudi Padwa!
Today is the best day to unfold a new hope, a new beginning and a new dream. May this New Year bring your way millions of joys and prosperity.
The atmosphere is filled with the spirit of hope and love. May this festival bring bright sparkles of contentment and joy your way. Wishing you a Happy Gudi Padwa!
We wish your entire year is full of new joys, successes, adventures and prosperity. Happy Gudi Padwa.