Gudi Padwa vrat vidhi and foods you can eat

India celebrates more than 50 festivals in the whole year because of its diverse culture and traditions. Almost every season has a festival dedicated to it and many cultures celebrate the beginning of the spring season in their own ways. In some states, spring season (March and April) mark the beginning of new year and in other states, it is time to celebrate the new harvest. Gudi Padwa is one such spring season festival celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, that marks the beginning of a new year along with celebrating harvest season for farmers of Maharashtra. The word ‘Gudi’ refers to Lord Brahma’s flag and ‘Padva’ stands for the first day of the moon’s bright phase that is about to begin. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month, i.e. March and April.

People in Maharashtra celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and pomp. Along with decorating their houses with Rangolis and bling decorations, people also observe a fast to ignite positivity outside and within. Waking up early and applying gram flour paste all over the body before taking a bath is also one of the most common rituals followed during this festival. Buying new things and wearing new jewellery is also considered auspicious and is meant to bring prosperity and abundance.

According to the calendar, this year’s celebration Mahurat will begin from Prathama Tithi that begins at 14:59:33 on March 24, 2020. Prathama Tithi Ends at 17:28:39 on March 25, 2020.

The most auspicious time to worship is: Prathama Tithi that begins at 14:59:33 on March 24, 2020, and Prathama Tithi Ends at 17:28:39 on March 25, 2020. To begin their days, people will set up Gudi in their homes by trying yellow and green cloth all over a bamboo stick with mango leaves, garlands and a copper pot (lota) on top of it. Gudi represents that flag of Lord Brahma and during the Pooja, people chant mantras for both Lord Vishnu and Brahma and seek their blessing.

People enjoy various kinds of vegetarian foods during the celebrations. While the focus is on the desserts and sweets like Modak, Puran Poli and Shrikhand, it is also important to prepare food that is obtained from the harvest. So, from snacks like Rice Chakli and Batata Vada, full meals including Poori Bhaji, Katachi Amti (a chana dal recipe), Masala bhat are widely relished.