Gudi Padwa 2023 Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Rituals, History, and Significance

Gudi Padwa 2023 Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Rituals, History, and Significance. 

                 

Gudi Padwa 2023 will be observed on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Gudi Padwa, also spelled as Gudhi Padwa, is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of a new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. Gudi Padwa is a regional Hindu festival that is mostly celebrated by the people of Maharashtra and Goa. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

Gudi Padwa 2023 Date and Time

Gudi Padwa Date Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Pratipada Tithi Begins 10:52 PM on Mar 21, 2023

Pratipada Tithi Ends 08:20 PM on Mar 22, 2023

Year Marathi Shaka Samvata 1945 Begins

Gudi Padwa History and Rituals

The word Gudi Padwa is made of two words - Gudi refers to the flag (garlanded with flowers, mango and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel) and padwa or padava or padavo comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.

The festival of Gudi Padwa is observed with colourful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudhi flag, street processions, dancing and festive foods.

Gudi Padwa Significance

Gudi Padwa marks the arrival of spring and the reaping of Rabi crops. According to some beliefs, it's the day when the Lord Brahma created time and universe. In some parts of rural Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa festival is linked to Shiva's dance and coming together of the community as they carry the Gudhi Kavads together to a Shiva temple.

Gudi flag is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house. As per one legend, Gudi flag symbolises the victory of King Shalivahana and was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan. It's also believed that Gudi symbolises Lord Rama’s victory against Ravana and that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.

Gudi Padwa Rituals

On the day of Gudi Padwa, people hoist Gudi flags outside their homes. The Gudi flag has a bright colourful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo. On top of it, boughs of neem leaves and mango leaves are attached along with a garland of flowers. It's further capped with a silver, bronze or copper pot (handi or kalash) signifying victory or achievement.

On this day, people clean their houses and decorate it will rangoli and Mango-Neem leafs. The intricate rangoli designs on the doorsteps of the houses are made in the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring. People dress up in new clothes and visit their family, friends and relatives.

Traditionally, families prepare special Gudi Padwa dishes using bitter leaves of the neem tree and sweet jaggery. The bitter-sweet taste of Gudi Padwa dishes are a reminder of life's sweet and bitter experiences. Maharashtrian families also make many other festive dishes, such as shrikhand and Poori or Puran Poli on this day.

Gudi Padwa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India.

When is Gudi Padwa 2023?

Gudi Padwa is typically celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April. In 2023, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

What is the significance of the Gudi?

The Gudi is a stick or pole with a colorful cloth and an inverted silver or copper vessel placed on top of it. It is a symbol of victory and is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.

How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?

Gudi Padwa is celebrated by hoisting the Gudi outside homes, preparing traditional dishes such as Puran Poli, and exchanging greetings and gifts with family and friends. People also visit temples and offer prayers.

What is the history of Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa has several mythological and historical significances. It is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe, and also marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is also believed to be the day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire.