Hello!
Today is our Maharashtrians' new year day. “ Gudhi Padwa”.
I am going to discuss some interesting things about “The Gudhi”.
The Gudhi
On
Guḍhī Pāḍavā, a gudhi is found sticking out of a window or otherwise
prominently displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households.
Bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) tied to the tip of a
long bamboo over which gaathi (sugar crystals), neem 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 Gudhi. It
is hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that
everybody can see it.
Some
of the significances attributed to raising a Gudhi are as follows:
·
Maharashtrians also see the Gudhi as
a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of theMaratha forces
led by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
It also symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahanaover Sakas and was hoisted
by his people when he returned to Paithan
·
Gudhi symbolizes the Brahmadhvaj (translation: Brahma’s flag)
mentioned in the Brahma Purana, because Lord Brahma created the
universe on this day. It may also represent Indradhvaj (translation:
the flag of Indra).
·
Mythologically, the Gudhi symbolizes
Lord Rama’s
victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana. Since a
symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudi (flag). It is believed
that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Ramapost his return to
Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile
·
Gudhi is believed to ward off evil,
invite prosperity and good luck into the house.
The
Gudhi is positioned on the right side of the main entrance of the house. The
right side symbolizes active state of the soul.
Festivities
On
the festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered
with fresh cow-dung. Even in the city, people take the time out to do some
spring cleaning. Women and children work on intricate rangoli
designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour
associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for
family gatherings.
Traditionally,
families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves
of the neem tree.
Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with dhane, gul/gur
(known as jaggery in
English), andtamarind.
All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify
the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against
diseases.
Maharashtrian
families also make shrikhand and Poori or Puran Poli on
this day. Konkanis make Kanangachi Kheer, a variety of Kheer made
of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, rice flour, etc. and Sanna.
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