Gudi Padwa 2024: Know date, shubh muhrat, rituals and more about Marathi New Year
Gudi Padwa with much fervour and enthusiasm on the first day of Chaitra month. In simple words, the Marathi New Year has got its name from two words - ‘gudi’ and ‘padwa’. Gudi means means a flag or emblem of Hindu Lord Brahma and padwa means the first day of the phase of the moon.
It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa and introduced days, weeks, months and years, according to Hindu mythology. Some also consider it a day when King Shalivahana celebrated his victory and people hoisted the flag on his return to Paithan. Basically, Gudi is said to be a symbol of victory over evil.
This year, Gudi Padwa will be celebrate on April 9, 2024 (Tuesday). - Pratipada Tithi will begin at 11.50 pm on April 8 - Pratipada Tithi will end at 8.30 pm on April 9. On Gudi Padwa, the day begins with an oil bath and ends with some unique prayers.
Neem leaves are also consumed by devotees with jaggery or other seeds. Devotees adorn their homes with rangoli and other springtime-themed decorations after receiving an oil bath. After this, a few customary practises are carried out, such as an auspicious puja to worship Lord Brahma and a havan to pray to Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations.
On the other hand, Maharashtra women celebrate the day by making beautiful "Gudi" in their houses and worshipping them. Gudi is essentially a flag, constructed from an upside-down pot of silver or copper, decorated with yellow fabric, and perched atop a bamboo staff. Devotees believe that the Gudi bestows good fortune and shields families from all negative energies.
Read more on livemint.com
