Vastu Tips for Diwali | Saral Vaastu
“Gudi Padwa“ is a Marathi word, the word “Padwa” is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Pratipada’ and is a spring festival which is welcomed as a New Year by the Hindus in most parts of India. This festival is also celebrated in other parts of India as Yugadi in Karnataka, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Navreh by the Kashmiri Pandits and as Cheti Chand by the Sindhis.
The vibrant festival of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa) falls this year on 18th March 2018 and is celebrated with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm in the state of Maharashtra as well as in other states of India. According to Gudi Padwa facts, on this day Lord Brahma created the universe after a great deluge which has been mentioned even in the Brahma Purana. There is another mythological significance attached to the importance of Gudi Padwa, it symbolizes Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan and is the occasion of Ram’s coronation. On this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, Maharashtrians flaunt their home with exquisite décor of Gudi (Doll) with a bamboo stick, neem leaves and adorn red garlands in front of their home. Basically, the Gudi is wrapped with a silk cloth which is red and yellow in colour, the colours symbolize an abundance of growth and well-being. The décor Gudi is placed inside the house or outside the window or on the main door. It is a symbol of victory over evil, good luck, peace, and prosperity.
On this special day, people wake up early, take a holy bath and wear new attires. The homes are cleaned and in some areas, the front yard of the house is cleaned with cow dung. Attractive Rangoli is artistically drawn in front of the Main door with bright colours signifying the arrival of spring.
Just like any other festival, cuisines are the most important part of this festival. Gudi Padwa cuisines are mouth-watering and the chief delicacy of ‘Puran Poli’ is prepared by Maharashtrians which is savoured along with a sweet dish ‘Shrikand’ that further enhances the charm of this festival. In other states of India, other sweet delicacies similar to Puran Poli is prepared. A Paratha type dish called ‘Obbattu’ is prepared in Karnataka and a dish called ‘Bobbattu’ is prepared in Andra Pradesh. These mouth-watering delicacies are prepared with a paste of gram flour and jaggery, garnished with ghee that simply makes it more relishing.
