Gudi Padwa Wishes

 

It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New Year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. It is known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. A Gudhi is hoisted outside the house to the right of main entrance to symbolise active state of the soul. It is believed to bring prosperity and good luck and ward off evil.

Gudi -

 A bright coloured cloth with brocade (zari) is tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves, mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it.

People eat the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree before sunrise.A paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with dhane, gur (jaggery) and tamarind which purifies the blood and strengthens the body’s immune system against diseases.

Delicacies prepared during the festival: Kheer,shrikhand and puran poli.