Gudhi padva Shobhayatra at Charni Road

Gudhi Padva (Marathi: गुढी पाडवा), is the Sanskrit name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the Hindu calendar.

The word Padva is derived from the Sanskrit word Pratipada i.e. first day after new moon day. A Guḍhī is hoisted on this occasion giving this festival its name. The term Padva is also associated with Balipratipada the third day of Diwali which is another celebration that comes at the end of the harvesting season.

On Gudhi Padva, a Gudi 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: It symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana over Sakas and was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan.Gudhi symbolizes the Brahma’s flag mentioned in the Brahma Purana because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day.

It may also represent the flag of Indra. Historically, 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 Gudhi. It is believed that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. So, people celebrated the victory of Lord Rama every year by raising Gudi. Gudi is a symbol of the victory of Lord Rama

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 the active state of the soul.