Gudi Padwa (the Hindu New Year, also known as Ugadi, Padwa or Navvarsh) is celebrated on Yugadi tithi, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (First day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra). In 2023, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 22nd March. There are several ways of commencing a new year – in the Christian calendar 1st January marks the beginning of the year, the financial year in Bharat begins from 1st April, the Hindu new year from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the commercial year from the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, the solar year, the lunar year, the lunisolar year and so on.
Meaning of Gudi padwa
The Gudi is hoisted on the pratipada (first day) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra in the Vasant rutu of Uttarayan (Six-month period between Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti, when the sun travels towards the north on the celestial sphere). An auspicious resolve (sankalp) that demonstrates the power of sankalp-shakti (Energy of resolve) accompanies the hoisiting of the Gudi. Pratipada signifies that, ‘Henceforth every step we take will be a step ahead for our prosperity’; hence, any benevolent sankalpa made on this day will be fruitful. Hence, on this day we must hoist a Gudi symbolising a sankalp unto the Absolute Truth and thereby make an auspicious beginning. – H.H. Parashram Madhav Pande Maharaj, Sanatan Ashram, Devad, Panvel.
Significance of celebrating Gudi Padwa
There are natural, historical and spiritual reasons to mark the commencement of the year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
Natural
Towards the first day of the month of Chaitra (Padwa), the sun assumes a position above the Vasant intersection (the point of intersection of the Equator and the Meridians) and the spring season commences. In Srimadbhagvadgita (10.35) Shrikrushna says, “Amongst the seasons the exhilarating Vasant rutu (spring) is my manifestation.” In this season, the weather is pleasant and exhilarating. Towards Padwa, trees bear new foliage and appear fresh.
Historical
1. On this day, Shriram killed Vali.
2. The Shakas too gained victory by defeating the Huns.
3. This day also commemorates the commencement of the ‘Shalivahan shak’; for, on this day King Shalivahan vanquished his enemies.
Spiritual
Creation of the Universe
Deity Brahma created the Universe on this day, that marked the beginning of Satyayug (the first in the cycle of four eras since the origin of the Universe); hence, the commencement of the New Year on this day.
The cycle of the year that begins with Gudi Padwa is related to the time that the Universe was first created and therefore the nature is vibrant with life. Man benefits by following the rules of nature and is actually harmed by going against it. (Divine knowledge received by Sanatan’s seekers by the grace of God.)
One among the three and a half muhurts (Auspicious time)
Gudi Padwa, Akshay Trutiya and Dussehra (Vijayadashmi) each make up one, and the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik comprises one-half of the total three and a half muhurts. The special feature of these three and a half muhurts is that unlike other days, when one has to choose an auspicious moment to perform a ritual, on these days one does not need to, as every moment of these days is auspicious.
O’ Hindus ! An indomitable spirit is vital to
defeat imperialism and make India an invincible Nation !
It is an accepted theory that when the society’s warrior spirit vanishes, foreign imperialist powers become dominant, cultural slavery of the meek is inevitable. When will Hindus learn that it was often this foreign imperialism that pushed Hindus, who lacked fighting spirit, into a life of slavery ? Now, history repeats as imperialist powers are pushing India towards slavery. Hence, the Hindu society should develop fighting spirit so that an indomitable India does not fall to foreign rule ever again !
Hence, O’ Hindus ! Remember that the Deities are the destroyers of the armed evil. So, do not remain content with mere worship of the Deities, adopt their fighting spirit to make India an invincible Nation !
– Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale
10 things to do on Gudi Padwa
1. Perform sabhyang snan (Auspicious bath)
2. Decorate entrance with toran (a bunting of mango leaves and red flowers)
3. Do samvatsar-puja (ritualistic worship)
4. Hoist the Gudi and pray to it.
5. Donate
6. Panchangshravan
7. Partake prasad of Neem leaves
8. Ploughing the soil
9. Performing activities, which bestow happiness
10. Remove the Gudi during sunset.
Ritualistic worship of the Brahmadhwaj (Gudi) on Gudi Padwa
It has been told in the scriptures that on this day immediately after sunrise perform ritualistic worship of the Gudi and erect it. This articles details the ritualistic worship along with associated mantras. Erect the gudi at the selected site and perform the worship. To read the script of the ritualistic worship,
Gudi : Importance and prayer to the Gudi
If one understands the implied meaning and science behind the holy days and religious festivals, only then can they be celebrated with complete faith. This article provides information on why the Gudi is hoisted on Gudi Padwa, relationship between the Gudi and battle, and what prayer one can offer on Gudi Padwa.
Videos related to Gudi padwa
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