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Hindu
Festival
Gudi
Padwa Gudhi
Padwa heralds the advent of a prosperous new year and is considered as one
of the most auspicious days by Hindus. The Hindu year begins on the first
day, "shuddha pratipada", of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
It is one of the most auspicious 'Muhurats' (auspicious timing)
amongst the three and a half Muhurats that occur in Hindu calendar year. The
day is considered auspicious for building or entering a new house, putting a
child to school, or starting a business. With this day begins the new
season, the spring.
According to Bramhand Purana God Brahma
created the world on this day. On this day people should vow to be bold and
courageous to face their problems and fight against their enemy. On this day
Shri Rama had freed the people from the tyranny of Vali. To celebrate this
occasion people put up Gudhi (symbol for victory or victory flag) in their
courtyards.
It is a day of great festivity and rejoicing. People
get up early and clean their houses, decorating them with intricate rangoli
designs. New clothes are worn, and sweets made for the occasion include
shrikhand, basundi, jalebis etc. Many homes also decorate the pots with
coconuts, flowers and mango leaves, symbolizing nature's bounty to all.
On this day a pole called Gudhi is erected in front of the house.
Padwa is another name for "Pratipada", the first day of the lunar
month. A new cloth is tied on the Gudhi, a metal or silver vessel is put on
to it and a garland of sweets is hung on it.
People welcome the
New Year with Gudhi worship and distribute Prasad comprising of tender Neem
leaves, tamarind, Ajwain, gram-pulse and jaggery. The Neem paste is believed
to purify the blood and build up immunity in the body against diseases.
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