Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the year for the Maharashtrians & Konkanis. This festival is also known as Samvatsar Padvo, as it commemorates the onset of the cycle of 60 Samvatsaras or 60 years. All of these 60 Samvatsaras are known by a unique name. 

The people of different states celebrate this festival in different ways. As it is the first day of the year, individuals make sure to begin it by seeking blessings from God as well as elders. Like every year, on Gudi Padwa 2024, individuals will share their wishes with their friends and relatives and plan to celebrate the day in the best possible manner. They shall wear new clothes and also eat Neem leaves with jaggery and tamarind as they begin their day. Gudi Padwa celebration in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is known as Ugadi. 

Gudi Padwa Significance

The Gudi Padwa meaning as per the Hindu mythology represents the triumph of good over evil. The Gudi Padwa story dates back to the era of Lord Rama, the time when after 14 years of his absence, Lord Rama acquired the throne following his victory over Ravana. Chaitra Navratri also begins on the day of Gudi Padwa. Devotees from all across the nation fast to mark this day and worship Goddess Durga and Lord Rama. On the Gudi Padwa festival, people make beautiful rangolis after cleaning their residences, also cook as well as share Puran Polis. 

On the day before Gudi Padwa, everyone joins a parade arranged to light the diyas, after which these diyas are set on the leaves and released into the water. As per the information on Gudi Padwa, it is a tradition to call the married daughters, along with their husbands, for lunch by her parents. The festival further reminds us of the affection between a husband and a wife. The fact about Gudi Padwa is that it usually falls in either late March or early April. Moreover, it is called Ugadi in the South and Cheti Chand in the North. 

Know About: Most Codependent Zodiac Signs

Gudi Padwa 2024 Rituals

The Gudi Padwa special rituals are:

• Take bath early and clean the house too. Houses in rural areas can apply cow dung to decorate the houses. 
• Perform the Gudi Padwa Special puja in Arunodaya Kaal.
• Just after dawn, worship your Gudi and make no delays in doing so.
• Make rangoli and decorate your house using flowers and lights.
• Wear new, traditional clothes.
• Seek blessings from your elders and greet all your friends and relatives.
• Devour flavored neem leaves as prasad (made using neem leaves, tamarind, honey, etc.). This mixed paste symbolizes the three tastes of life: sweetness, caustic and tangy.
• Cook dishes such as Kheer, Puran Poli and Sanna. Also, perform Lezim after dinner.

What is Gudi?

On this new year's day, in Maharashtra, one can find Gudi in all the households, made by tying a long bamboo pole, a bright brocade fabric of yellow and green color, neem leaves, a mango branch, sugar crystals, and around it - a garland of flowers. It is usually showcased so that everyone can see it from the balcony, windowsill, or even outside the house. A copper or silver pot is kept inverted over everything else. 

Gudi Padwa 2024: Muhurat

The Gudi Padwa celebration and puja will be done as per the below-mentioned Date and Muhurat -

Gudi Padwa Special Decoration

Now that you are aware of the details related to the festival, let us find out ways in which you can decorate your house on Gudi Padwa 2024:

The Toran Touch

On the day of the Gudi Padwa celebration, it is quite customary to see Toran of Neem, Mango leaves, and flower garland on the doors on the day of Gudi Padwa. These torans are easily accessible in the market and add color and vibrancy to the festival.

Know About: Today Choghadiya

The 'Gudi' Flag

On Gudi Padwa, you can get the traditional Gudi Flag from a nearby store, and also make it yourself. A colorful silk scarf can be used to make the flag and affix it to the tip of the wooden stick. Decorate the top of the pole with a necklace of flowers, a neem wreath, and a bouquet of mango leaves. After that, set a pot or a Kalash made of brass, silver, or copper on the wooden stick. Hang these flags from trees, balconies, or windows to represent prosperity and fortune.

The Flower Decor

None of the decorations can replace the visual appeal that flowers give. They not only look good but also make your house smell great. Moreover, flowers give a very optimistic feeling by releasing a unique natural scent.

Know About: Today Rahu Kalam

The Fabric Bauble

One of the best ways to beautify your house is by giving it indigenous look. Traditional textiles work best to wrap your tables and couches. Moreover, changing the bed sheets and covers also helps in giving a new look to your house. 

The Rang ki Rangoli

Make rangoli at a place noticeable in your home. Making one on either of the corners near the door denotes good fortune and richness. Stencils can be used to make rangolis. Diyas can be decorated around the rangoli made with colors or flowers to beautify it even further. 

Light It Up

Decorating the home with varieties of lights is one of the best ways to make your home look special on Gudi Padwa. Diyas, candles, lamps, lanterns, and fairy lights create the extravaganza feel one needs to enjoy the festival. 

The Wall Decor

If it has been quite a time your walls have been painted, get them done. Many families even self-paint the walls as an activity and make it a memorable event. You can place a huge family photo on the main wall or get a contrasting colored painting for the wall.

Know About: Aries Daily Horoscope

Adoring the Puja Room

As we know about Gudi Padwa, puja is the main ritual, and so is adorning the Puja room. Hence, ornament your puja room with monastery bells, torans, diyas, and anything you wish to make the puja room exciting.

The 'Sweets' Decor

A festival is not complete without sweets. Puran Poli, ladoo, amrakhand, poori, etc., are the many dishes prepared for celebrating this festival. And how fantastic will you feel if your favorite sweet is served after fine embellishment? Decorate your dining table with fresh flowers and use the best dishes to serve the sweets.

Endnote

Now, as you already have the Gudi Padwa information, you might be curious to know what this new year has in store for you. An online chat with Astrologer can help you get insights on this.

Wish you a very Happy Gudi Padwa 2024!