Gudi Padwa : Maharashtrian New Year

As the sun came up bathing the city of Pune in its golden sunlight, the sound of the temple bells filled the air with cheer and joy. It was a special day of Gudi Padwa, , that marked the beginning of Maharashtrian new year.

Early morning, fourteen-year-old Aarav woke up with his heart full of enthusiasm. He rushed to the window and saw streets being decorated with rangoli designs in various colors. Women dressed in traditional sarees were doing flower work, and men were putting up Gudis on the doorsteps of houses. A Gudi is a vertical pole with a colored silk piece of cloth, flower garland, sugar crystals, and an upside-down copper or silver vessel on it. It symbolizes victory and prosperity.

Aarav rushed to help his dad install their Gudi. His mom brought out a beautiful yellow and red silk cloth, which they tied around the stick. Aarav draped the garland on it with care while his dad fixed the glinting pot at the top. They both raised the Gudi high above their house and allowed it to sway with the morning breeze.

As they stepped aside, Aarav’s grandmother smiled and stated, “The Gudi is a representative of happiness and prosperity. It is a reminder of the good king Shivaji Maharaj and the victories of our ancestors. It also signifies us with a blessing for a prosperous new year.” Aarav listened patiently, being one to be glad to be involved in such an age-old ritual.

The family soon got ready for morning puja. Aarav wore a new kurta, and Anaya, his younger sister, was beautiful in a green dress. His mother set up a small plate with mango leaves, neem leaves, jaggery, and coconut for the ritual. The temple priest chanted prayers, and everyone joined their hands in respect.

After the puja, the main event of the festival—the feast! The dining table was filled with delicacies like Puran poli, shrikhand, batata bhaji, and crispy papads. Aarav’s favorite was the special prasad of neem leaves mixed with jaggery. This was to teach that life is a mixture of happiness and adversity. We have to undergo everything with courage.

After lunch, Aarav and his friends walked out to observe how the neighborhood was celebrating. Several houses had Gudis erected high, and the streets were cheerful with rangoli patterns. Everyone greeted one another smilingly by wishing each other a “Happy Gudi Padwa!

During the night, there was a solemn procession on the main road. People traditionally dressed marched to the beats of the drums while dancing with unbridled joy. Lezim dance was done by the women as they danced in harmony with the beats of the dhol. Saffron flags were flapped by a group of men dressed in warrior attire, reminding everyone of Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery. Aarav was awed, getting soaked in the celebratory mood.

As the day eveninged, the family gathered on their balcony. The sky turned a soft orange as dusk found it. Aarav’s grandfather told them about how Gudi Padwa is celebrated in other states too. “In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as Ugadi, and in Rajasthan, it is celebrated as Thapna. Even though the names are different, the longing for welcoming the new year is the same.”

Aarav thought about how different this festival was. It was not just about rituals and food, but also about togetherness, hope, and thankfulness. He looked at the Gudi once more, tall and sparkling, a sign of a new start.

That night, lying in bed, Aarav smiled within himself. Gudi Padwa had brought with it the glee, the love, and the assurances of the future. He knew no matter where life took him, this festival would always leave with him a message of home, family, and the joy of traditions.