The vibrant festival of Ugadi or Gudi Padwa 2023 is near and the excitement only increases as we get closer to it. Celebrated as the Marathi New Year, this beautiful festival falls on the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada day as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days according to the sacred Vedic texts. It is celebrated as a symbol of the day when Lord Brahma created the universe. Isn’t it wonderful?
The Marathi New Year’s Day is marked by the sacred oil-bath ritual, the main entrance of houses decorated with flower garlands and dolls hoisted during religious celebrations. The devotees can also organize a special puja on the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa to increase the positive energy in the house and bring peace and happiness.
Gudi Padwa Ritual 2023 Date and Timings
Gudi Padwa 2023 falls on Gudi Padwa on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, a few days after the beautiful festival of colours, Holi. It is considered to be an extremely auspicious and lucky day for all the devotees. Vikram Samvat begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, which is the first day of the full moon fortnight. The date timing is as follows:
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 10:52 p.m on March 21, 2023
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 08:20 p.m on March 22, 2023
History and Significance of Gudi Padwa 2023
It is depicted in the Brahma Purana (a holy Hindu scripture) that Lord Brahma had re-evolved the whole world. A horrific flood, in which time ran out and humans were destroyed, was followed by a re-creation of the world. Time was restored again from the day of Gudi Padwa, which marked the beginning of Satyuga, the period of truth and justice. That’s why people worship Lord Brahma with a lot of reverence on this day. It is also believed that Lord Brahma introduced the concept of days, weeks, months and years on this day.
Another mythological event that marks the beginning of the Gudi Padwa festival is when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after conquering Ravana. People welcomed Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana in a grand ceremony by hoisting Gudis. The hoisting of Gudi or ‘Brahmadhwaj’ (Brahma’s flag) signifies the victory of Lord Rama. Therefore, on this day people of Ayodhya hoist Gudis at the entrance of their homes in memory of the victory of Lord Rama. According to mythological texts, Lord Rama also conquered King Bali on this day.
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Gudi Padwa comes with an added significance for the people of the state of Maharashtra. According to legend, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a respected leader of the Maratha dynasty, led the armed forces, conquered the dominions of the Mughals and liberated the kingdom in that region on this very day. So the Maharashtrians also hoist Gudis on this day as a symbol of Shivaji’s victory.
In short, hoisting Gudi at the door of the house eliminates any kind of evil effects on the house and paves the way for happiness, prosperity and good fortune. Businessmen also start new ventures on this auspicious day to get maximum profit.
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Puja Rituals Performed During Gudi Padwa
- The ritual that marks the beginning of the festival is the consumption of neem leaves. The leaves can be consumed in raw form or in the form of a neem chutney.
- Devotees make Rangolis at the entrance of their houses to attract positive energy.
- The puja is performed in the morning and the Gudi is hoisted at the entrance. It is believed that the right side of the door identifies with the active side of the human soul, therefore some devotees place the Gudi on the right side of the entrance door.
- The Gudi is decorated with yellow silk embellishments, red flowers and twigs of the mango tree.
- The sacred symbol of Swastika is made on the Gudi with vermilion or kumkum.
- The lighting of lamps, and candles during the festival adds more splendour and light to the celebration.
- Gudi Padwa celebration is also marked by the preparation and exchange of various sweet dishes such as Puran Poli, shrikhand, Puri, Soonth Panak, Kanangachi kheer, etc.
- It is also considered auspicious to offer food and water to the poor and needy people on this day.
- On the next day of Gudi Padwa, there’s a ritual of drinking water from a copper vessel and keeping bamboo sticks on top of the Gudi.
May this Marathi New Year bring immense happiness and prosperity to your life. Happy Gudi Padwa!
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