Ugadi and Gudi Padwa 2019 is celebrated as the new Year of Hindus of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Ugadi is a Sanskrit word which is derived from two words – Uga and Adi. Uga means to age and
This is mostly observed on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar of Chaitra month. This fall between March and April. In 2019, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 6th April.
This is a springtime festival and this is considered to be a highly auspicious day. Mythologically, it is believed that this is the day when Lord Brahma thought of creating the universe and thus this is considered as the beginning of Satyug. This date is considered to be the onset of the Vikram calendar.
Gudi Padwa 2019: The significance of Ugadi/Gudi Padwa
Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa 2019 is extremely significant for Hindu culture in different terms. This festival marks the onset of the spring festival. This is the time when nature goes through a tremendous shift. Fall
Yugaadi is one of the names of Lord Vishnu who is known as the creator of time. And thus the Ugadi festival is also celebrated as the onset of new time. This is considered to be an auspicious symbol and many people believe that with a new year, new beginnings of life will also embark. Businessmen celebrate this time of the year as the onset of their business calendar. Many households indulge in buying a gold, car and new vehicles during this time.
As per astrological calculations, it is also believed that Lord Krishna’s Narayana began at the early bright hours of Chaitra that corresponds to 18.02.3102 BC. This event marks the beginning of Kaliyug month and thus Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa is also considered as the beginning of Kalyug.
Ugadi/Gudi Padwa Festival Celebrations
Ugadi or Gudi Padwa celebrations begin a week before. Houses are cleaned and whitewashed. People get indulged in buying new clothes and sweets. Even people buy flowers especially jasmine flowers and mango leaves to decorate their house entrance.
On this auspicious day, the entire household wakes up before dawn and massage their body with sesame oil and take head to toe bath. Post bath every member of the house wears new clothes. Elderly women members of the family apply vermillion and oil on the younger members of the family. All the members of the family view their reflection in a vessel of molten ghee. Idols of Gods and Goddesses are also bathed in oil. After which the entire family comes together for prayer and offer neem leaves, flowers, garlands, mango and tamarind to the idols. Money or gifts or clothes are also offered to the children or younger members of the family. This is the reason why everyone waits eagerly for this festival.
The entire family worships Panchanga which is read for the first time. It is believed that you get blessings if you read and hear the Panchanga. The temple priests also receive gifts in return for the reading of Panchanga.
“Indra Dhawja” which is meant to bring rain for the harvest season is also worshipped during Gudi Padwa which is Maharashtrian New Year. Here devotees decorate their front door with red earth and mango and neem leaves. Rangoli made with chalk is also made on the front door which is further decorated with colorful patterns and powders. Mango leaves are also hanged and placed near the Kalash area which marks the yearly forecasts.
Delicacies served during Ugadi/Gudi Padwa 2019
Food forms an integral part of Hindu celebrations. And when it is Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa 2019 then the delicacies are at different level. People generally mark the beginning of this auspicious day by consuming neem leaves. People believe that neem leaves will purify their blood and also strengthen their internal system.
Bevu Bella is also one such significant food which is prepared during this festival. This involves preparation of a mix of neem flowers, buds, jaggery, green chilies, salt, tamarind juice, and unripe mango. This combination of ingredients symbolizes that life is filled with bitter sweet memories.
Other than this Shrikhand and Puran Poli are also some other major delicacies enjoyed during this time of the year. Kanangachi Kheer which is made up of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, and rice is also enjoyed during Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa.
Style during Gudi Padwa/ Ugadi 2019
Women and girls indulge in buying new clothes. Newly married women are seen flaunting their silk, pathani and traditional kanjeevarams during this time of the year.
Men are seen wearing lungi and shirt. The lungi is mostly in white or off white color with golden zari in it.
Both men and women love to show off their gold jewelry during this time of the year.
Related Festivals
Sindhis also celebrate the same day as Cheti Chand which marks the beginning of their calendar year. Manipuris also celebrate this day as Sajibu Nongma Panba. Hindus of Bali and Indonesia also celebrate this day as their new year which is also known as Nyepi.
Ugadi/Gudi Padwa 2019
Ugadi which is also celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra will be observed on 6th April 2019 in India and abroad. This is the day when people will indulge in exchanging greetings and wishing each other. Friends and family members will visit each other’s place and exchange greetings and sweets. This day is also observed as a holiday is a majority of states especially in Southern states and Maharashtra.
This is the day which has both societal and mythological relevance. Let us know how you are planning to celebrate this festival in the comments down below. We would love to hear from you.
