PANAJI
Gudi is the word used to refer to Brahma’s flag (which is hoisted on this day) while Padva is derived from the Sanskrit word Paddava or Paddavo which refers to the first day of the bright phase of the moon. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra, according to the Hindu calendar, which usually falls during March-April according to the Gregorian calendar. This day is also symbolic of the season of Vasant or spring in India. Besides Maharashtra, it is also observed under different names in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well, however by a smaller community of people.
Historical Legends and Beliefs
One of the sacred texts of the Hindus, the Brahma Purana states that Lord Brahma recreated the world after a raging deluge in which all time had stopped and all the people of the world, destroyed. On Gudi Padva, time restarted and from this day on, the era of truth and justice (known as Satyug) began. Therefore, Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day.
Another popular legend about the origin of this festival revolves around the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and his brother Laxman from exile. The ‘Brahmadhvaj’ or ‘the flag of Brahma’ (other names for the Gudi) is hoisted in memory of the coronation of Lord Rama. The Gudi is hoisted at the entrance of the household in commemoration of the Gudi that was hoisted in Ayodhya as a victory flag. It is also believed that Lord Rama was victorious over King Bali on this day, marking this occasion.
For the people of Mahrashtra, there is an added significance to this festival. It is believed that Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, celebrated leader of the Maratha clan, led the troops to victory and attained freedom for the kingdom from the dominion of the Mughals in that area. The Gudi then is a symbol of victory and prosperity.
It is believed that hoisting the Gudi outside ones home wards off any evil influences, making way for good luck and prosperity. Many businessmen inaugurate their ventures on this day as it is considered an auspicious day.
Preparation of the Gudi
The Gudi is made by purchasing a bright green or yellow silken cloth with a zari brocade on it and tying it on to a long bamboo stick. On top of the cloth then, neem leaves, gathi (a Maharashtrian sweet preparation), a garland of red or yellow flowers and a twig with mango leaves are also tied. This stick with the various ornaments is topped off with an inverted silver or copper pot. The Gudi is placed either at the gate or outside the window.
Special Rangoli
Rangoli is one of the most popular and quintessentially Indian forms of decorating the house during auspicious Hindu festivals. The ground around the Gudi is decorated with an elaborate Rangoli made by using powdered color, flowers and petals and is a much awaited ritual in the households celebrating this festival. There is no particular motif that Gudi Padva warrants in a Rangoli. Therefore, celebrants have the freedom to use a variety of motifs in whatever combination they like; right from geometric patterns, nature inspired motifs like fish, trees, elephants and birds, and human figures to more religiously significant and auspicious symbols like the kalash, swastika with the four dots, om, mangal, leaves from an Ashoka tree, a lighted lamp, the lotus and many others. The vibrant colors of the rangoli and the flowers used in its making reflect the splash of colors and life that this season brings with it.
