Gudi Padwa, also known as Chaitra Pratipada, is a
Hindu festival celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, which falls in
March or April. The name Gudi Padwa is derived from the Sanskrit words
"gudi" which means "flag" and "padwa" which means
"the first day of the month". It symbolises new beginnings, fresh
starts, and optimism.
The festival is celebrated by people from all
walks of life with great enthusiasm and vigour. People begin cleaning and
decorating their homes with colourful rangolis and flowers a week before the
festival. As a mark of respect toward Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe,
they wear new clothes, wake up early, and pray in order to achieve prosperity
and peace for the coming year.
During the festival, the Gudi is hoisted, which
is a bright-coloured silk cloth attached to a long bamboo stick, adorned with
neem leaves, flowers, and a garland of sugar crystals. The Gudi is then placed
at the entrance of the house or on the terrace, facing the rising sun, as a
symbol of victory and good luck.
The first financial transaction of the new year
is done on this day. A short ritual of digging and ploughing the land is
performed on this day as a start. The day is also marked with traditional
delicacies like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Puri Bhaji, which are prepared with
great care and served to family and friends.
It is believed that Goddess Durga appeared in
Chaitra Pratipada and on her advice, Lord Brahma created the universe on this
day. Hence Chaitra Pratipada marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. As per
Vedang Jyotish, this is one of the three and a half Muhurtas. It is the day
when new things are bought, businesses and new ventures are started, gold is
purchased, etc.
On Gudi Padwa, new clothes are also bought to celebrate this festival. And Swamini Sarees is a favourite destination for women to buy unique sarees from every state of India. With a treasure trove of sarees such as Banarasi, Ikat, Kanjeevaram, Bandhani, Paithani, etc., Swamini Sarees is known to bring not only satisfaction to the customer but an utter sense of happiness as well!
Swamini Saree
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