Hari om!

Wishing all of Humanity a very happy,prosperous and Love filled Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa is also Celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi in south India.It is a festival to celebrate the arrival of the spring season and New Year

Our Indian Culture and tradition boasts of many festivals and celebrations,interesting tales of mythology are attached to each of these festivals, but one underlying deep rooted reason of celebrating every festival,be it hindu’s,muslims,Christians,Sikhs,parsi etc,is the victory of good or evil, or truth over lies,and reaffirming the victory of positivity over negativity.while we celebrate any festival as per the ritual laid down by our scriptures,and practised by our ancestors from time immemorial,I feel it is also important for all of us to understand the scientific meaning and significance of each of the festivals and the rituals attached to it.Gudi Padwa is also Celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi in south India.

Significance of Gudi Padwa:The first day of the Chaitra month as per the Hindu Calendar,is celebrated as Gudi Padwa by the Hindus. It is the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is known as the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada by the Marathas. It also marks the celebration to welcome the season of spring/fruitfulness or Abundance.Throughout the country this day is observed by different names. Various Rituals and activities commence right from sunrise and are carried out throughout the day.

The Importance of Gudi Padwa: The most important significance of the Gudi Padwa is that,Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. This has been mentioned in the Brahma Purana too, where the Satyayuga commenced from this very day after the creation of the universe.It is also believed that Gudi Padwa is the very day when Lord Rama, the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu returned to his kingdom Ayodhya, as its deemed ruler after slaying the demon king Ravana and rescuing Sita. Gudi Padwa is therefore also a celebration of a new era or beginning of wellness, prosperity, justice & Righteousness.

The Hoisting of Gudhi :-

Raising Gudi Flag is an important event during Gudi Padwa. Gudi is a special kind of flag raised by Maharashtrians outside their house on the Hindu New Year Day – the first day of Chaitra month (March – April). Gudi is also known as Flag of Lord Brahma-Brahmadhwaj,and has a symbolic meaning. Gudi in front of house symbolizes hope, happiness, joy, glory and celebration of victory.

Symbolically,Gudi signifies,emptying our ego – taking an inverted look within ourself,and holding oneself, up to the vast sky of divinity keeping ones soul outdoors, far away from the traps of the world.

Another symbolic suggestion indicates that the neem leaves tied on the Gudi, remind us to forget the bitter memories of the year,and the gaathis, that are made from jaggery remind us to embrace the sweet memories forever,and to cherish it for years ahead. The piece of cloth that is used shows that the family is happy, peaceful and prospering.In Hindu mythology, copper is considered very auspicious, so it is used as an integral element in the Gudi. If we take a look at our history, we will note that the Marathas observed this as a day of victory by their supreme and well loved ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The victory flag is hoisted to honour the courage and victory of this great ruler and the Gudi is decorated with the first bloom of fresh mango leaves. A silk cloth of yellow colour is draped across the Gudi and adorned with red flowers. The yellow and red colours are believed to be auspicious and symbols of fertility and well being. The entrance is cleansed and decorated with Rangoli made of coloured powder or flowers. The area around the Gudi is also decorated. Special delicacies and sweet dishes are also prepared on this occasion.

The Scientific Significance of Gudi Padwa

It is always believed that the moment of twilight or the moment just before the rising of the sun is considered very auspicious.The Divine consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed during this time lasts longer. This consciousness is stored in the body cells and can be used as and when needed. Hence the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise, so that one tries to absorb the strength and vitality of the sun in its purest form on this hour to ensure the arousal of the consciousness of the self. This is the spiritual significance of Gudi Padwa. In simple terms, Gudi Padwa is an observation of raising oneself to a higher spiritual plane and welcoming the new era with enthusiasm. It is the wishing and desire for progress and well being of all that marks the essence of the occasion.

I urge all of  you to celebrate the Oneness  and piousness of this festival in its true spirit.that is welfare of mankind,shun the ego,embrace the divine love, and spread the happiness around,wherever you go,be the reason for someones smile and happiness, and if you can be the reason for your greatest enemies,true and unconditional happiness,then it will be truly a quantum leap in your spiritual progression and you will be blessed with many cosmic merits..

Love and Blessings to Humanity ✋

Sadguru Mangeshda.