Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the New Year day by Maharashtrians. Gudi Padwa is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. This festival marks the beginning of the spring season. This year it falls on 23rd March, 2012.
History:
There are some legends behind the celebration of Gudi Padwa. It is said that the Universe was created by Brahma on this day and Satyuga (The Age of Truth and Justice) began. So he is worshiped specially at this time. Lord Vishnu too is said to have incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day. It is also believed that on this day, King Vali was killed by Rama and Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya victorious.
How Celebrated:
On Gudi Padwa, you will find gudis hanging out of windows or otherwise prominently displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households.Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring.
Celebrations in different states of India:
This festival is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and 'Ugadi' in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as 'Samvatsar Padvo' among Hindu Konkanis of Goa, 'Yugadi' among the rest of Konkani diaspora in Karnataka and Kerala, 'Nav Varsha Samvat' among the North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh.
Gudi Padva Gifts:
