Gudi Padwa 2024: Know the Auspicious Muhurat, Date, Time and Puja Rituals
In the Indian state of Maharashtra, the Hindu New Year begins with the celebration of Gudi Padwa, also known as ‘Samvatsar Padvo’. There is significant cultural and traditional significance attached to this festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival brings people closer and reinforces the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. In this blog, we will explore all of Gudi Padwa 2024. You can explore more about the Muhurat and rituals associated with the festival by our expert astrologers at DivineTalk Astrology App.
The puja involves establishing a Gudi, a bright yellow cloth tied to a bamboo stick and decorated with neem leaves, marigold flowers and copper or silver vessels. During the celebration, devotees perform various rituals to seek the blessings of deities for well-being. This festival holds immense importance in Maharashtra culture; hosting a gudi outside the house is believed to clear evil spirits and bring blessings and prosperity. The marigold flowers and neem leaves symbolise life’s bitter and sweet experiences, reminding us to embrace both equally.
The Festival – History
The day marks the start of the harvest season. People in Maharashtra celebrate it as the beginning of their new year. Gudi Padwa comes from two words: ‘Gudi’ means Brahma’s flag, and ‘Padwa’ means the first day when the moon looks bright. The festival of Gudi Padwa is on the first day of the Chaitra month. This year, the day is on Tuesday, 9 April. The Puja Muhurat will begin at 6:02 AM and last until until 10:17 AM.
The festivals have many stories. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa. Another story says that the day honours King Shalivahana’s victory. It is a belief that it is the day when Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Another story that revolves around this day is that on this day the crowning of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the king of the Maratha empire was there.
Gudi Padwa Significance
Gudi Padwa is a day celebrated to keep away evil spirits and bring good luck and wealth into one’s life. It’s a day of victory for good over evil, as Lord Rama defeated Ravana. The day marks the beginning of spring and is also a harvest season. Different states of India celebrate the festival by other names, like Samvatsar Padvo, Ugadi, and Yugadi. In Manipur, it is popular as Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.
Gudi Padwa celebration and rituals
- Take an oil bath on this day.
- People clean their houses before the festival, and women decorate the doors with colourful flowers and rangoli designs.
- There is a tradition of wearing New clothes like kurta, pyjamas and sarees.
- The central part of the festival is hosting the Gudi.
- Another tradition is to eat Neem leaves, which can be eaten raw or made into a chutney form with jaggery and other seeds.
- The day celebration is also by offering sweets like Shrikhand, Puran Poli Chana and Soonth Panak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Gudi Padwa, and what is the reason for the celebration?
A: Gudi Padwa is a traditional Hindu festival in Maharashtra. It marks the first day of a new year and commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon King Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good.
Q: What is the significance of hosting the Gudi on Gudi Padwa?
A: The Gudi symbolises King Shalivahana’s victory and was hosted by his people when he returned to Paithan. Hosting Gudi at home wards off evil spirits and brings prosperity and good luck into the house.
Q: Which time and date is auspicious for the Gudi Padwa celebration?
A: Gudi Padwa will be on the prati-pada tithi of Shukla paksha in Chaitra on 9 April 2024. The auspicious time to perform Pooja is between 6:02 AM and 10:17 AM on that day.
