Why do we celebrate Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is a festival that augments the new year and is usually celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaita according to the lunar calendar. Most of the Indian festivals have a very special and intriguing history and it is interesting to see the manner in which they are celebrated. This Maharashtrian festival is no exception and provides you with many tales related to it. Also called Ugadi in the Indian state of Karnataka, this is a festival, which is filled with a certain charm, and vibrance that is visually delightful.

Let us see some of the interesting stories that show the customs and traditions of Gudi Padwa. This is a celebration of the victory march of Shivaji Maharaja, the veteran Maratha leader. The festival is celebrated in honour of this great king who had a kingdom that spread across the  entire western part of  India. This is the reason people worship the gudi which is a cloth which flies like a flag, that is usually a sign of victory in an army.

Gudi Padwa is also considered the harvest festival, which shows that the rabi crop has ended for the season. This is the time when mangoes and other fruits are reaped. Gudi Padwa is the time when you find delicious ripe mangoes in the market.

Again, there is another reason why this festival is celebrated. It is believed that this is the day when the universe was created. It is believed by all Hindus that this is the day Lord Brahma created the world. It is thus dedicated to the innumerable Gods we have in the country. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu took the Matsya incarnation or the form of the fish on this day. This was an incarnation to save the entire earth from destruction or pralaya.

Today with the augment of cheer and joy, Gudi Padwa is a celebration that is much awaited and this is a time when people pray for the well being of everyone. It is believed that good wins over evil and it is an auspicious day for all.

Let us all pray for a better world free of all sufferings, disorder, and anomalies in the society this Gudi Padwa.