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 2024, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 9th April. 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.
From this Gudi Padwa resolve to establish Ramrajya in your personal and social life !
Instating the Idol of Shriramlalla in Ayodhya recently has given the Nation a spiritual foundation. Now, as the next step, Ramrajya needs to be established in our Nation. Prabhu Shriram established the ideal Ramrajya which ensured the welfare of all people. Ramrajya means the ideal state of spiritually inclined (Sattvik) people. In the corrupt Democracy we have today, the idea of Ramrajya has become rare; however, we are in a transitional period, and hence, it is easy to start the process of the establishing Ramrajya.
To be able to establish Ramrajya in the Nation, first the people have to make efforts for some years to effectively bring Ramrajya in their personal and social life. For this, one has to perform spiritual practice and resolve to lead a moral and virtuous life. Efforts must be made to oppose corruption, immorality and anarchy in social life. It is only through the initiative of a sattvik society that Nation building based on Spirituality, meaning, establishing a Ramrajya is possible; hence, resolve to bring Ramrajya in your personal and social life from this Gudi Padwa !
– 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
To know more about how to celebrate festivals like Gudipadwa in the most appropriate way so as to benefit maximum from them, and to attain individual progress,