Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year

31^st March 2014 – Our state of Maharashtra celebrated the festival of Gudi Padwa. 

Gudi Padwa falls on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

India being a predominantly agrarian society, celebrations and festivals are often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the beginning of a new one.

On this day, the sun assumes a position above the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians. According to the Hindu calendar, this marks the commencement of the Vasanta ritu or the spring season.

On Gudi Padwa, a gudi is found sticking out of a window or otherwise prominently displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households. Bright green or yellow cloth adorned with zari (brocade) tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gaathi (sugar crystals), neem (margosa) leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. Altogether, it is called as Gudi. It is hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it.

My husband Joe took these photos before the parade could begin.

If you’d like to see more pictures go here

Puran Poli - Indian flatbread with a stuffing of lentil cooked with Jaggery.  These are made for Gudi Padwa and for special days.

  

Thanks for tuning in.

 Lena