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GUDHI PADWA
Gudhi Padwa heralds the advent of a prosperous
new year and is considered as one of the most auspicious days
by Hindus. The Hindu year begins on the first day, "shuddha
pratipada", of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
It is one of the most auspicious 'Muhurats'
(auspicious timing) amongst the three and a half Muhurats
that occur in Hindu calendar year. The day is considered auspicious
for building or entering a new house, putting a child to school,
or starting a business. With this day begins the new season,
the spring.
According to Bramhand Purana God Brahma
created the world on this day. On this day people should vow
to be bold and courageous to face their problems and fight
against their enemy. On this day Shri Rama had freed the people
from the tyranny of Vali. To celebrate this occasion people
put up Gudhi (symbol for victory or victory flag) in their
courtyards.
It is a day of great festivity and rejoicing. People get up
early and clean their houses, decorating them with intricate
rangoli designs. New clothes are worn, and sweets made for
the occasion include shrikhand, basundi, jalebis etc. Many
homes also decorate the pots with coconuts, flowers and mango
leaves, symbolizing nature's bounty to all.
On this day a pole called Gudhi is erected
in front of the house. Padwa is another name for "Pratipada",
the first day of the lunar month. A new cloth is tied on the
Gudhi, a metal or silver vessel is put on to it and a garland
of sweets is hung on it.
People welcome the New Year with Gudhi worship
and distribute Prasad comprising of tender Neem leaves, tamarind,
Ajwain, gram-pulse and jaggery. The Neem paste is believed
to purify the blood and build up immunity in the body against
diseases. .
See Also Hindu Festivals Celebrated in
Goa:
| Chovoth
| Diwali | Gokulashtami
| Holi | Lairai
Jatra | Nagpanchami |
| Gudi Padwa | Raksha
Bandhan | Ram Navmi | Vasco
Saptah | Chikhalkala |
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