Gudi Padwa/Ugadi

The date of Gudi Padwa/Ugadi is based on calculations of the position of the moon dating back to 12th century. The festival begins on the first new moon after the Spring Equinox and is celebrated the next morning as an Indian day starts from sunrise.  According to tradition, on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe and is believed to have written everyone’s fate and hence the festival marks the beginning of a new year for Hindu communities spanning the region between the river Cauvery and the Vindhyas.  It is celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi among Kannada and Telugu speaking Hindu communities.   The day is also said to be the day in Ancient India when Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Sakas.

Gudi Padwa

The word ‘Padwa’ is derived from Pratipada/Padyami, the first day of a lunar month or the first day after no-moon day (Amavasya).  In Maharashtra, the new year is welcomed by hoisting a "Gudi" in honor of lord Brahma, also known as "Brahma Dhwaj." Hence the term Gudi Padwa.  The Gudi consists of a bamboo stick (generally taller than the building) adorned with either a yellow and green fabric or orange and red fabric which is tied to the tip of the bamboo along with neem and mango sprigs, a garland of white plumeria flowers, and a string of sugar boiled candy in traditional shapes. The tip of the bamboo is then covered with an inverted copper/sliver pot (kalash) and the bamboo is hoisted on a wooden plank placed on the right side of the main entrance to the house.  The plank is decorated with rangoli.  This ritual is done at sunrise.  The whole family then worships the Gudi and offers prayers to Lord Brahma and is offered a naivedya of Puran Poli.  The door is adorned by a toran (garland) made from mango leaves, flowers, and neem sprigs.  This day is also marked by a preparation comprising neem flowers, raw mango, tamarind, jaggery, pepper and salt.  These six ingredients represent six tastes which in turn symbolize six emotions in life.  They are as under:

• Neem - bitter taste - sadness/difficult times.
• Raw Mango - pungent taste - surprise.
• Tamarind - Sour taste - unpleasantness.
• Jaggery - sweet taste - happiness.
• Pepper - hot/spicy taste - Anger.
• Salt - Salty taste - fear of the unknown.

Legend states that hoisting of the Brahmadhwaj commemorates the return of Lord Rama from exile.  The setting up of the 'Gudi' before the main entrance of every house symbolizes a similar arrangement by the people of Ayodhya to express their happiness over the victory of their beloved prince Rama over the demon king Ravana and his return to his own kingdom.  Popular belief is that the Gudi wards off evil and invites prosperity and good luck into the house.  It also symbolises victory and inspires people to prosper materially and spiritually.  This day also marks the beginning of Chaitra Navaratri which concludes on Rama Navami.

Ugadi

The festival is celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana by the name of Ugadi which originates from the Sanskrit word Yugadi (yuga + aadi = beginning of a new age).  On this day, people decorate their doors with toran comprising of mango leaves, marigold flowers and neem leaves, the ground in front of the house is decorated with colorful rangoli and Ugadi pachadi is prepared using neem flowers, raw mango, tamarind, jaggery, pepper and salt with significance as stated above.  This is shared with family and friends.  A meal of obbattu (flatbread stuffed with sweetened legumes) also forms a part of the celebrations. 

I hope, this new year, life delivers all my readers an Ugadi pachadi with more jaggery, less neem and all other ingredients in desirable proportions.  Wishing all of you a very happy and prosperous new year.  If there is any error or any omission in the write up, please do mention it in the comments section.   Hinduism, having been passed on by the word of mouth for centuries, has different legends and interpretations in different regions.  Please feel free to share your beliefs and interpretations.

Rangoli art and picture credits:  Shalvi Mulik