Save The Environment on Gudi Padwa
As per the Hindu calendar, Gudi Padwa marks the New Year. Besides Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated in different parts of India in a different style with diverse names and rituals. It is also called Samvatsar Padvo, Yugadi, Ugadi, Cheti Chand and Navreh. It is also celebrated in the North East state of Manipur and is known as Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba. It is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and pomp amongst families. The people prepare a variety of cuisines on this day and wear new clothes.
The festival falls on the first day of Chaitra. It is known as the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada by the Marathas. The significance of Gudi Padwa lies in worshipping Lord Brahma, who created this world on this auspicious day. Hence, the day is celebrated as New Year and Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day. It is also believed that Gudi Padwa is the very day when Lord Rama, the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returned to his kingdom Ayodhya as its deemed ruler after slaying the demon king Ravana and rescuing Sita. Gudi Padwa is, therefore, also a celebration of a new era or beginning of wellness, prosperity and justice.
In Maharashtra, there is a legend that Maharashtra’s great warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, started Gudi Padwa celebrations after his victory. Also, the tradition of raising the Gudi was initiated by Shivaji. The word ‘Gudi’ signifies victory. Hence, every Marathi family puts a Gudi at the entrance of their house. The Gudi is a stick covered in a bright cloth adorned with brocade or zari that has been topped with sugar crystals, neem leaves, the twigs of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers. This is covered by a silver or copper pot in an inverted position.
The day is regarded very auspicious as it ushers happiness, prosperity and lots of joy. The day is also regarded as the ideal day for Vaastu Pooja and is a blessed day for starting any business or buying new property or ornaments.
Come, on this Gudi let’s pledge to take concrete steps for the welfare of Mother Earth. Let us all work together for the environment and plant trees. Home Times Wishes all its readers Happy Gudi Padwa.
