Introduction: The word Padwa originates from the Sanskrit word “Pratipada” which means the very next day after the new moon day. Gudi Padwa is actually a Marathi name which means Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
This is the Maharashtrian New Year day. This was first started by the Shivaji Maharaj for symbolizing the win “Vijay Dhwaj” and welcoming New Year. Henceforth, Gudi Padwa became the important occasion of the Maharashtra.
Gudi Padwa festival shows the starting of the New Year, i.e., on 31st March. But in India, Gudi Padwa is celebrated on 1st of January.
What is the importance of Gudi Padwa festival? Gudi Padwa has also its own importance. Gudi Padwa is also one of the Harvest Festivals celebrated in India. Gudi Padwa describes that the Rabi crop for the season has ended and now reaping of mangoes and fruits are started.
Celebrations: Gudi Padwa is sometimes also become a family re-union and everyone celebrates the Gudi Padwa festival by wishing each other a New Year greetings. There is a custom of eating a special kind of mixture in Kannada called Bevu-Bella (made up of Neem and Jaggery) which symbolizes that life is a full of mixture of bad and good, sorrow and happiness.